The UK and Malaysian governments have struck a deal that will enable airlines to provide more services between the two countries.

Before now, restrictions were placed on the number of flights operating between the destinations, but the new agreement will remove these from October 27th 2013.

Aviation minister Simon Burns said this is "excellent news" for consumers and the air travel industry, suggesting the move will stimulate greater competition among airlines, which could ultimately result in lower fares.

"It is one of the most liberal agreements of its type worldwide and I am pleased that the UK continues to set the standard in aviation liberalisation," he remarked.

British high commissioner to Malaysia Simon Featherstone thinks the deal will help the UK to double bilateral trade with the Asian country to £8 billion by 2016.

The demand for air travel has soared in the UK in recent years and the Airports Commission is mulling over possible ways to enhance runway capacity - particularly in the south-east of England.

Heathrow is the busiest airport in the world and the clamour for flights out of the aviation hub could intensify if more liberalisation agreements are struck by the government in the future.