Emivest Hope Sale Will Spark Corporate Jet Market In UAE

Actor Morgan Freeman has taken delivery of his Emivest Aerospace SJ30 in a ceremony in Dubai during a visit over the Christmas holidays.

"After speaking to a number of companies and individuals, Emivest came out on top as the only company that fit all my criteria," said Freeman during a press briefing held Wednesday at Dubai International Airport. "I was more than happy to buy from a company based in the EAU as I have travelled around the Emirates on a number of occasions and see this as a strong business hub despite the current economic problems across the world."

"It is exciting to fly the SJ30 in my world tour to promote for my new movie Invictus which talks about the South African leader Nelson Mandela. This will help in spotlighting a UAE based company that manufactures very special private jets," he added.

Emivest says the purchase will help the firm to secure future investment and allow it to explore new markets in the aerospace industry.

"The sale of this SJ30 to Mr. Freeman proves the robust nature of business in the UAE and specifically Dubai," said Buti Saeed Al Ghandi, chairman of Emirates Investment and Development Company, the main investors in the US based aircraft manufacturer, Emivest Aerospace. "Businesses across the world have suffered in the downturn, but this reaffirms the strength of locally-based companies, and especially Emivest."

File Photo

After completing test flights with Emivest's chief test pilot John Siemens and production pilot Bryan Dennison, the aircraft was officially delivered to Freeman. "I am really looking forward to flying the new jet and will use it to travel in the US from coast to coast without having to stop. I'm not sure if I'll fly it all the way from the UAE, but with the film industry growing in the Gulf, and the various film festivals here building in stature, I'll definitely be back soon," Freeman added. Freeman obtained his pilot's license in 2002.

FMI: www.sj30jet.com