Event in Langkawi : Langkawi International Maritime and Air Show

Langkawi International Maritime and Air Show

Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) is and airshow that brings together the latest technology and products from the aerospace industries. LIMA is one of the major airshows in the world. A biennial event, the next series will be held inLangkawi Island, Malaysia in 2015. It will be held at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), adjacent to the terminal at Langkawi International Airport.

Jet Fighter firing a missile display picture in LIMA 2007 Air Show.

Fighter Jet Demonstration In Langkawi International Maritime Air Show.

A brainchild of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad, aerospace manufacturers and related industries display and promote the latest aerospace technology to senior government officials, civil and military and leaders of industries from Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region. It represents a unique showcase for the aerospace and maritime industries in the fast-expanding Asian commercial aviation, airport and defense markets.

Almost at every LIMA business deals were clinched as well as memorandum of understanding was signed.

History

What began in 1991 with the aim of making Langkawi as the venue for light and experimental aircraft to fly unhampered by heavy traffic modeled after the EAA Air Venture in the USA, LIMA is now on the world's airshow calendar and major players cannot afford to miss. Unlike anywhere in the world, a four-hour flying display is held daily throughout the show and is a crowd puller.

The LIMA '03 exhibition for example generated business totaling RM 2.182 Billion (USD 575 million) through 30 contracts, letter of offer and acceptance or intent and memorandum of understanding.

LIMA 05' witnessed a signing of RM4 billion worth of contracts in maritime and aerospace items. According to the then Defence Minister Datuk Seri Haji Najib Razak that the amount included defense contract RM3.2 billion, letters of offer worth RM403 million and letters of intent worth RM344 million. Najib Razak said that a major portion of the contracts sealed this time was related to the purchase of A400M aircraft for the Royal Malaysian Air force which amounted to RM2.8 billion including the equipment.

LIMA 07' was the successor to LIMA 05'. The air and maritime exhibition mainly consisted of the same concepts.

LIMA 2013

The annual Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace 2013, was launched on 27 March 2013. The show kicked off with a display of air stunts by the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Among the VIPs who were present was Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, Raja Puan Muda Tuanku Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil and their two children.

Daily airshows and maritime stunts were staged for visitors. The shows are done by local and foreign army personnel. Vehicles included Zodiac and CB90 boats, Super Lynx and Fennec helicopters. The MMEA showcased its Kilat and Petir boats with their Agusta Westland, Dauphin and Bombardier aircraft.

LIMA 2013 was hoped to be the cleanest exhibition ever as the organizers had hired a firm with 150 workers to conduct the cleaning and waste managing throughout the event.

LIMA 2013 witnessed the signing of 24 contracts that amounted to 4.271 billion, boosting the Malaysian defense technology industry