Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA; Malay: Pameran Aeroangkasa dan Maritim Antarabangsa Langkawi) is a maritime and aerospace exhibition which takes place once every two years, held on odd-numbered years. It is held in Langkawi, Malaysia, and the last event took place in 2023. The event is supported by the Malaysian government and industry associations.
LIMA is one of the largest maritime and aerospace exhibitions in the Asia-Pacific region; it is focused mainly on the defence industry, but also supports civilian industries. In 2013, LIMA recorded an overall growth of 10%, with 433 exhibitors from thirty-one countries, 333 defence delegations from thirty-eight countries, 632 media personnel from 127 agencies, sixty-eight ships, and seventy-eight aircraft attending the show. The five-day event also saw 38,421 trade visitors from both defence and commercial sectors from all around the world,[2] as well as 135,691 public visitors.
Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition began in 1991, with slightly over 100 exhibiting companies with the aim of making Langkawi the venue for light and experimental aircraft to fly unhampered by heavy traffic, modelled after the EAA Air Venture in the United States. LIMA has now expanded into maritime exhibitions, and is also one of Asia-Pacific's largest maritime and air exhibitions. Nowadays, a four-hour flying display is held daily throughout the show.
LIMA 2003
The LIMA 2003 exhibition generated business totalling RM 2.182 billion (US$ 575 million) through thirty contracts, letters of offer and acceptance or intent, and memorandums of understanding.
LIMA 2005
LIMA 2005 witnessed a signing of RM 4 billion worth of contracts in maritime and aerospace items. According to the then Defence Minister Datuk Seri Haji Najib Razak that the amount included defence contract RM 3.2 billion, letters of offer worth RM 403 million and letters of intent worth RM 344 million. Najib Razak said that a major portion of the contracts sealed this time was related to the purchase of Airbus A400M aircraft for the Royal Malaysian Air Force, which amounted to RM 2.8 billion including the equipment.[3]
LIMA 2007
LIMA 2007 was the successor to LIMA 2005. The air and maritime exhibition mainly consisted of the same concepts.
The biennial Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace 2013, was launched on 27 March 2013. The show started 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.[4]
LIMA 2013 recorded an overall growth of 10%. 433 exhibitors from thirty-one countries, 333 defence delegations from thirty-eight countries, 632 media personnel from 127 agencies, sixty-eight ships, and seventy-eight aircraft attended the show. The five-day event also saw 38,421 trade visitors from both defence and commercial sectors from all around the world,[2] as well as 135,691 public visitors.
LIMA 2013 was hoped to be the cleanest exhibition ever, as the organisers had hired a firm with 150 workers to conduct the cleaning and waste managing throughout the event.[6]
LIMA 2013 witnessed the signing of twenty-four contracts that amounted to RM 4.271 billion, boosting the Malaysian defence technology industry.[7]
LIMA 2017 saw over 180,000 visitors, compared to about 175,000 visitors during LIMA 2015, it is expected that there will be a 10% larger crowd during LIMA 2019. LIMA 2017 recorded 555 exhibitors from thirty-six countries, compared to 512 from thirty-six countries in LIMA 2015. The value of contracts and agreements signed this time also rose to about RM 3.7 billion, an increase of 81% from the RM 2 billion, while twelve memorandums of understanding, eleven contracts, seven letters of agreement, and five letters of intent signed were signed.[9][10]
