AFTER 20 YEARS, LIMA 2009 CONTINUES TO ENTHRAL

LANGKAWI (Malaysia) Nov 30 (Bernama) -- Despite having been around for
nearly two decades, the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition
2009 (LIMA 2009) is hardly short on 'firsts' and fresh elements as it enters
10th edition next week.

Like the legendary status accorded the island where the event will be held,
LIMA is set to continue maintaining its iconic status, in as far as appeal and
relevance are concerned.

If previous LIMA editions were usually co-hosted by two different maritime
and aerospace organisers, what's distinctive this year is that there is just a
single organiser.

HW Lima Sdn Bhd, the maritime segment host since 1997, has been mandated to
solely host this year's LIMA edition at the island from Dec 1 to 5.

"We are building on our good work done previously. We believe this year's
LIMA will proceed smoothly," said HW Lima managing director Ahmad Dzuhri Abdul
Wahab.

What will be an interesting feature about LIMA 2009, is that the maritime
and aerospace exhibition will be merged under one roof at the Mahsuri
International Exhibition Centre (MIEC).

According to the organiser, over 325 exhibitors from 25 countries would take
part in this year's edition.

This means, there will be no booth for the maritime exhibition at the Awana
Porto Malai. Only vessels will be berthed there.

There are 96 vessels, including warships, which will be docking at the Awana
Porto Malai.

This year, LIMA is where Malaysia's submarine KD Tunku Abdul Rahman will be
making its maiden appearance and likely to emerge as the main attraction at the
maritime's segment show.

"We will be welcoming our own submarine, KD Tunku Abdul Rahman. I feel that
she is going to be the main attraction at Awana Porto Malai," said Ahmad
Dzuhri.

KD TAR is a Scorpene-class conventional submarine that is diesel electric
powered. Built by DCNS of France and Navantia of Spain, it is said to be one of
the most advanced and silent submarines, to date.

Another 'first' for LIMA is that for the first time in its history, the
Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will make an appearance.

Armed with its AH-64D Longbow Apache helicopter and F-16 Fighting Falcon
jet, the RSAF is set to thrill the crowds of LIMA 2009, with the fanciful aerial
displays of both aircrafts.

Also making a debut at this year's air show is the United States Air Force
B-52 bomber. It is set to offer a special treat by performing a low-level
fly-past.

Having begun in 1991, LIMA is now the premier destination for aerospace and
maritime manufacturers targeting the Asia Pacific market in the defence,
enforcement and civil sectors.
-- BERNAMA