The 72-year-old Oscar-winning Hollywood actor is optimistic of the earlier revival of aviation industry. He landed in UAE after co-piloting his new SJ30 jet from Los Angeles and showcased the plane at a press conference at the Dubai Airport Free Zone on yesterday.

In his interaction with major media agency Gulf News, Freeman added, "I agree that private jet owners have got a kind of a beating. But I am pretty sure that general aviation is going to come back."

Justifying owning the aircraft he acquired from UAE-owned US based Aircraft manufacturer Emivest Aerospace; Freeman said that owning private jet has become a necessity of routine travelers.

Hailing the SJ30 jet worth $7.4 million, Freeman said, "It's a really outstanding aircraft. It's a huge money saver and time saver."

The actor, who had been a US Air Force mechanic, got his pilot license at the age of 65 in 2002. Freeman played a historic role of Nelson Mandela in "Invictus" and has a number of prestigious awards in his kitty including Best Actor nomination at the Golden Globes.