SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS: Brazil's leading planemaker Embraer is eyeing the large Chinese market, and on Friday presented a Legacy 650 executive jet to martial arts star Jackie Chan to help build its brand there.
Embraer said in a statement that Chan would help the company promote "its entire line of executive aircraft, not only in the rapidly growing greater China market, but globally."
"This delivery is a moment of historical importance to Embraer because it solidifies an already long and successful relationship between China and Embraer," said Ernest Edwards, president of Embraer's Executive Jets unit.
By turning to Chan, a Hong Kong Chinese superstar with global appeal, Embraer hopes to translate his charisma and celebrity into increased recognition and sales for the Brazilian jets.
"I believe that Embraer is poised to become a major player in the Chinese executive jet market," said Chan, who described himself as a "brand ambassador" for the manufacturer.
The ebullient actor, singer and cultural icon toasted the company's executives as they stood together in front of the plane customized with Chinese colors of red and yellow and the name "Jackie" painted on the tail.
The Legacy 650 has a range of 3,900 nautical miles (7,223 kilometers) and can fly four passengers nonstop from Beijing to Dubai or from Hong Kong to Adelaide, Australia. It sells for about $30 million.
Hong Kong-born Chan, who has put his martial arts skills to use in several blockbuster films, is also respected for his commitment to world philanthropic causes and devotion to the promotion of Chinese culture.
Embraer, the world's third largest commercial aircraft maker behind American Boeing and Europe's Airbus, is the only manufacturer offering a full line of executive jets, from entry level to ultra-large aircraft.
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