Indian Surya Kiran, Sarang aerobatic teams to perform at LIMA 2009

The Indian Surya Kiran aircraft and the Sarang helicopter team will present an aerobatics display at the LIMA 2009 air show. This marks the first time the famed Indian teams will be performing at an international air show. Making this announcement, the Malyasian defence minister, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid said a fly-past by the eight-engined strategic bomber, B-52 Startorfortress, , will be one of the highlights at Lima’09 in Langkawi in December this year. In addition, the Malaysian Air Force will showcase the KD Tunku Abdul Rahman (submarine), and the Alenia Aermacchi MB-339 CM jet trainer. A total of 94 aircraft and 80 ships are expected at Lima’09'. He said the organisers had targetted 500 exhibitors with 270 companies from 22 countries with 45,000 trade visitors and 40,000 members of the public expected to attend Lima’09. The minister was speaking to journalists after chairing the Lima’09 Cabinet Commiteee meeting and witnessed the official sponsors signing ceremony between HW LIMA Sdn Bhd and Malaysian Airlines which is the official airline and ground-handler. Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen is confident that this year’s Lima will be a lively affair despite worldwide economic gloom. She said Lima’09 will be a platform to showcase the best of what “Malaysia Truly Asia” had to offer with Langkawi blessed with a wide choice of attractions in its beaches, islands, scenery, food and duty-free shopping. She said the ministry was encouraging locals to open their homes to visitors in the wake of the shortage of rooms on the island.