Emirates is setting a new standard in the aviation industry with its innovative ‘Aircrafted’ initiative, which repurposes old aircraft materials into backpacks, while supporting underprivileged communities.
Emirates, the UAE’s flagship airline, is widely recognized for its luxurious airline services and extensive global network operating from Dubai International Airport (DXB). Recently, in addition to its iconic brand, Emirates has been making strides in sustainability through innovative initiatives aimed at minimizing waste and giving back to the community.
One notable project initiated by Emirates in 2023 is titled “Aircrafted by Emirates.” This program focuses on converting old seat covers from its fleet into durable backpacks and other accessories. Initially unveiled at the Dubai Air Show, the project reflects the airline’s commitment to both environmental sustainability and creative reuse of materials that would otherwise be discarded.
The creation of these products is supported by Emirates’ ongoing cabin retrofit program, which involves a significant investment of around $2 billion to modernize 191 aircraft, including both Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. As part of this program, seat covers that are no longer in use have been repurposed into bags and accessories instead of being thrown away. Notably, this effort also incorporates fur from the cockpit’s pilot seats, maximizing recovery efforts. Emirates reported that each retrofitted aircraft has the potential to yield around 270kg of leather and 627kg of fabric.
Speaking to Simple Flying, Ahmed Safa, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President for Engineering, emphasized the airline’s commitment to sustainability. He noted, “At Emirates, we are committed to constantly evolving our sustainability efforts and looking at every aspect of our products and supply chain.” He further explained that the materials utilized are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized to ensure hygiene before being transformed into new products.
Initially, the first range of bags from the Aircrafted collection was available for purchase by collectors beginning in 2024. These limited edition items attracted attention due to their handmade nature, allowing buyers to customize features like engravings. Alongside its commercial products, Emirates has also chosen to donate bags to children in need. The first donation initiative kicked off in June 2024, coinciding with World Environment Day. Since then, Emirates has committed to donating thousands of upcycled backpacks designed for students.
Emirates has collaborated with various charitable organizations and schools to facilitate the distribution of these bags. The airline has sent backpacks filled with essential school supplies such as stationery, calculators, and culturally relevant books to underprivileged children in regions including Africa and Asia. Recent donations include 1,300 backpacks sent to several countries, including Ethiopia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The charitable entities involved in this initiative include Bravehearts Ethiopia, Roots Ethiopia, the Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE) Zambia, the Kucetekela Foundation, Rose of Sharon, and St. Marcellin’s Children’s Village Trust. This effort not only aims to provide necessary school items to children but also engages Emirates employees in the distribution process, enhancing community involvement.
In recent months, Emirates has further highlighted its dedication to sustainability and education by recognizing the contributions of educators in regions like South Africa, donating bags directly to teachers to support their efforts.
The initiative demonstrates a broader trend within the aviation industry, where several airlines have begun exploring upcycling as a method to promote sustainability alongside traditional environmental efforts. Other carriers, such as Singapore Airlines and United Airlines, have similarly started projects to transform old aircraft materials into practical consumer goods.
Through these various initiatives, Emirates is not only improving its environmental impact but also making a socially responsible contribution to communities in need, thus reinforcing its position as a leader in both the airline industry and corporate social responsibility.
Source: Noah Wire Services
