Malaysia’s premier defence show, the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2011 (LIMA ’11), is set to raise its curtains tomorrow, drawing keen interest from participants from across the globe.
Hired contractors could be seen working frenzily to get booths at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) ready for the Dec 6-10 event.
Local and international media representatives covering the event were taken on a guided tour of the MIEC as well as Awana Porto Malai, the venue of the maritime segment of LIMA.
Fighter jets streaked across the skies above Langkawi in practice sessions, making ear-splitting sounds in the process.
LIMA ’11 is scheduled to be opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in the presence of his deputy Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al Thani and other dignitaries.
Organisers said 403 exhibitors would be present at LIMA ’11 — 178 local as well as 225 foreign companies from 34 countries.
Prominent participants at the show include Boeing and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation from the United States; Britain’s BAE Systems; Italy’s Agusta Westland; France’s Dassault Aviation and Eurocopter Group; Russia’s Sukhoi Aviation Holding Company and Spain’s Navantia.
The largest local participation is the National Aerospace & Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (NADI) with a total exhibition space of 737 sq metres.
Fifteen nations such as Australia, France, Turkey, US, Britain, Germany and India have set up country pavilions, the largest being Russia’s, at 378 sq metres.
A much-anticipated addition to the LIMA show is the 1Malaysia professional aerobatic team called “Krisakti” which uses the German-made Extra 300L propeller aircraft for its aerial display.
A total of 65 aircraft and 59 ships are taking part in LIMA ’11.
The event is being complemented by related conferences, forums and workshops as well as daily aerial and maritime displays, a tourism carnival and the Career Day programme.
– Bernama
CJMY
