F-35 jet fighter on runway to take off
Fighter jets (file pics)

Next year, you can again enjoy the sight and sounds of fighter jets screaming through the skies in Langkawi Island.

The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) is back.

LIMA 2023 will be held from May 23 to 27, 2023.

Senior Minister of Defence Malaysia, Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said that some 600 exhibitors from 20 countries would be participating this time around. and will involve 110 assets in the air and maritime sectors.

The return of LIMA 2023 is also great news for hoteliers, transport providers, F&B outlets and other stakeholders on the island as the event will serve to enhance the economy of the island.

RAF Eurofighter Typhoon (file pics)

When contacted, Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH Kedah/Perlis Chapter) chairman Eugene Dass welcomed the announcement as the show will greatly benefit the hospitality industry.

“We welcome back LIMA 2023. It will truly be a booster in positioning Langkawi once again as a choice destination. Hotels are geared up towards this event and will make all necessary preparations from now itself to be ready,” said Dass. 

Meanwhile, aviation and maritime enthusiasts and fans can surely get to see the latest passenger and fighter planes after a hiatus of two years due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

Among the top fighter jets in the market are the American F-22 Raptor, F-35A Lightning, F-16 Falcon while the Russian made MIGs and Sukhoi (SU) models are also a fighter jet enthusiast’s wish list. 

Civil aviation giants like Boeing and Airbus are likely to make their presence too. 

Previous LIMA participants were from the USA, UK, Russia, France, Australia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, India. Singapore, Indonesia among others.