Veteran pilot paints skies over Pantai Cenang with sunset aerobatics
LANGKAWI: Veteran pilot Datuk Halim Othman lit up the skies over Pantai Cenang with a stunning sunset aerobatic display, captivating thousands during this year's Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (Lima '25).
Flying a specially modified Extra 300L Krisakti light aircraft, Halim's solo performance, complete with heart-shaped smoke trails and synchronised pyrotechnics, quickly became one of the most talked-about highlights of the five-day event, spreading widely across social media.
Describing the show as an effort to "paint the dusk", the 59-year-old said he wanted to offer something memorable following the hiatus in air shows caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"After Covid-19, this year's Lima feels like a breath of fresh air. So I thought, why not offer something different, like a performance at sunset, when most people are winding down," he told Bernama at the Aerotree Group booth.
Halim said the performance was made possible by technical modifications to the aircraft, which was fitted with six pyrotechnic units, three on each wing, programmed to ignite in sequence.
Each burned for around 75 seconds, accompanying a series of light manoeuvres against the Langkawi evening sky.
He said the idea was first conceived in London two months ago and was realised with the support of local aviation firm Aerotree Group, the show's principal sponsor.
Preparations included integrating the onboard effects and securing safety certification from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
"But this isn't just about spectacle. It's part of Aerotree's corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment to inspire young Malaysians to dream big in the world of aerospace," he said.
He also revealed plans to establish a new six-aircraft aerobatic team equipped with coloured smoke, set to make its debut at future Lima shows and National Day celebrations.
Lima '25, hosted at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), featured a wide array of international aerospace and maritime assets. It concluded today after running from May 20 to 24.
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