Aircrafted Kids: Emirates Upcycles Iconic Aircraft Materials to Empower Education in Asia

(IN SHORT) Emirates has launched the Aircrafted Kids initiative to support children’s education across Asia by donating 700 handmade schoolbags filled with essential school supplies. Each bag, part of a limited-edition collection crafted from repurposed aircraft materials, is a symbol of Emirates’ commitment to community welfare and environmental sustainability. The project includes collaborations with Smile Foundation India, several sister organizations in Dhaka, and SOS Children’s Villages in Pakistan, following previous successful distributions in Africa. Emirates’ representatives have been actively involved in the local packing and distribution process, strengthening connections with community partners. This initiative is a key element of Emirates’ broader environmental strategy to upcycle over 50,000 kilograms of aircraft materials, and the airline is extending the campaign with future plans in Egypt and the MENA region. Additionally, Emirates is set to launch a limited-edition luggage collection to further support humanitarian projects through the Emirates Airline Foundation.

(PRESS RELEASE) DUBAI, 2025-Mar-28 — /Travel PR News/ — Emirates is proud to announce its latest community initiative aimed at supporting children’s education and fostering meaningful connections across Asia. In a heartfelt gesture, Emirates has partnered with several respected educational organizations to provide 700 handmade schoolbags filled with essential stationery supplies to young students. Each schoolbag is a unique piece of history, crafted from repurposed fabrics and parts of Emirates’ iconic aircraft as part of the limited-edition Aircrafted range. This initiative builds on previous successes, with 1,300 bags already distributed across Africa, and is part of Emirates’ broader commitment to upcycling materials for the benefit of children around the world.

The Aircrafted Kids by Emirates project is making its way across Asia. In India, Emirates joined forces with Smile Foundation India—an institution known for its impactful education, healthcare, and livelihood programs for children aged 6 to 14. In Bangladesh, the airline collaborated with Kanan, Thikana (Shelter Home), and Ahsania Mission Shishu Nagari, three sister organizations in Dhaka that provide shelter and a nurturing environment for women and children. In Pakistan, Emirates partnered with SOS Children’s Villages, a renowned organization dedicated to creating supportive spaces for financially disadvantaged youths to continue their education. As part of the Emirates Airline Foundation’s ongoing legacy of supporting children’s welfare, the Aircrafted Kids initiative extends this commitment through direct engagement with local communities.

Emirates representatives visited local offices in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan to personally assist in packing and distributing the schoolbags, ensuring a close connection with the organizations driving community impact. Each bag is thoughtfully packed with school supplies including stationery, calculators, and essential educational materials, along with a selection of books designed to be shared throughout schools. The next chapter of this inspiring journey will take the Aircrafted Kids schoolbags trail to Egypt, with additional stops planned across the MENA region.

The creation of these schoolbags is a key component of Emirates’ environmental strategy. The airline has committed to repurposing more than 50,000 kilograms of materials from 205 aircraft undergoing cabin refits. Emirates Engineering’s team, comprised of 14 dedicated Engineering Maintenance Assistants, creatively designed a range of durable backpacks using high-quality seat fabric from Emirates Economy Class seats—a fabric composed of 95% wool and 5% nylon, sourced from Germany and Ireland. After being meticulously laundered, deep cleaned, and conditioned, the materials are transformed into unique, safe, and comfortable schoolbags complete with new lining, functional zippers, and adjustable straps. These handcrafted bags are then packaged in specially branded Aircrafted Kids boxes and shipped to their final destinations, with full support from Emirates’ SkyCargo teams and dnata Logistics.

Emirates fans are invited to join in the initiative by purchasing limited-edition luggage from the upcoming second phase of the Aircrafted by Emirates capsule collection. The first collection sold out within days, and proceeds after costs will be donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, further supporting humanitarian projects worldwide. Fans and customers can also contribute directly to the Emirates Airline Foundation at any time to help children in need.

Media contact:
pr@emirates.com

SOURCE: The Emirates Group

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