LIMA 2015

Held every two years, LIMA’15 is set to see over 38,000 trade visitors and 500 exhibitors participating this year.

LIMA LANGKAWI

In simple layman terms, this event is created for buyers and sellers in the aerospace and maritime sector which include airlines, airport operators, private aircraft operators, leasing companies, shipbuilders, shipyards, consultants, system integrators, weapons manufacturers, navigation and communications systems and many other related industries.

Airbus A400M Atlas Military Plane

Well, as this is a Maritime and Aerospace exhibition, you can expect to see loads of planes, ships, military equipment and many other related things.

Most of the time, the public would be there to take photographs of the latest technology in planes and ships.

Another highlight at LIMA 15 is also the aerial performances that happen at certain times during the expo.

Airplanes take the skies and demonstrate their acrobatic capabilities, some even flying in groups and doing stunts.

Various acrobatic teams from around the world will be participating and showing their skills so this is something to look out for. At the marina, the public can see the many ships on display too.

Photo from The Star

Highlights at Langkawi LIMA 2015

Malaysia Airlines will be doing a fly-pass with the Airbus A380 plane while the USA will be showing their B-52 Bomber in another fly-pass.

The world-famous Singapore Black Knights in their F16’s will also be doing an aerial performance.

There will also be UAV demonstrations at the Star Cruise Terminal at Porto Malai, which is at the end of Pantai Cenang

Static Displays (Those on the ground)

There will be a total of 58 planes and helicopters on static display at the exhibition centre where 95% of them are military and a few domestic or civilian aircraft on display.

If you are lucky, you can even go inside some of them.

Ships on display at LIMA

There are also 37 warships, vessels and submarines that will be displayed at the marina for any ship enthusiast.

Most of the ships are from the Malaysian Royal Navy and Maritime Enforcement Agency while others are from the Russian, Singaporean, Indonesian, Thai, Bangladesh, Brunei, India Navy.

Yes, each adult above 16 years of age is charged RM10 per entry and you will get a wristband. You need to provide your identification for this.

These visitor badges are non-transferable too. Minors, disabled and senior citizens get in free.

For the Maritime Zone, it is Free Admission and located at Resorts World Langkawi. Here you will find submarines, warships and vessels on display.

Is there a shuttle service from Kuah Town and other hotels to LIMA?

Yes, there are shuttle services from Kuah Town and certain hotels around Langkawi that take you to the maritime and aerospace exhibition centre.

You need to check once you are in Langkawi. Alternatively, you can rent a car which is reasonably priced and this will ensure you move easily around Langkawi Island.

Due to the major event here, prices may be a little higher than usual. Last check in late 2014, a standard small car was going for around RM120 for three days. 

Singapore’s Black Knights doing an aerial acrobatic display

There are quite a number of accommodations which range from homestays to luxury hotels found around Langkawi Island.

Most of them are located around the Pantai Cenang Beach area while others are scattered around the island.

However, as it is LIMA’15 week, most of these places would be fully booked. So if you are planning to visit, you should check your accommodations before going there.

For more information, you can visit the LIMA’15 website which is filled with information, timings and so on.

LIMA’15 Information
Date: 17-21 March 2015
Venue: Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC)
Time: 10.00am to 5.30pm
Admission: RM10 to MIEC
Open to Public: 20-21 March only

Conclusion

As for me, I am an amateur aviation geek therefore for this time, I am unable to attend the event due to some other commitments in KL.

In the past, I attended the Paris Air Show which was absolutely amazing while last year, I managed to catch the Singapore Air Show in Changi where the all-new Airbus A350 XWB took center stage there.

This time around Airbus is showing off their new military aircraft, the Airbus A400M Atlas which is a sight to see.

After LIMA 2013, a lot has changed in terms of technology and this time around aviation fans will be overall pleased to witness some of the amazing aircraft on display here at LIMA 2015.