Grab your piece of airline history

One enterprising airline has taken recycling and sustainability to new levels…about 40,000 feet to be precise.

Emirates has launched limited edition suitcases and accessories made from upcycled aircraft interiors.

The limited-edition range, entitled ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’, features a selection of suitcases, backpacks, handbags, cardholders, toiletry bags, belts and shoes – all designed and handmade by Emirates tailors in Dubai.

Scheduled for sale in 2024 in Emirates Official Stores, all proceeds will be donated to children in need via the Emirates Airline Foundation. 

Offering a chance to own a piece of history, the materials used to craft the stylish collection have been gathered from the A380 as well as from 777 aircraft. 

Materials repurposed for the luggage and bags include aluminium headrests, leather from couches in the A380 onboard lounge, seatbelts and even fur from the Captains seat. 

From 16 retrofitted aircraft, more than 14,000kg of materials have already been recovered. As the project continues, there is scope to recover up to 270kg of leather and 627kg of seat fabric, per retrofitted aircraft.

As each piece is handmade to order, customers may be able to request personalised laser engraving on some exclusive, one-of-a-kind bags, suitcases or document holders.

Aviation fans can register their interest soon on the Emirates Store, but these special pieces are in limited quantity.

“We are committed to constantly evolving our sustainability efforts and looking at every aspect of our products and supply chain,” said Ahmed Safa, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President for Engineering.

“We knew these materials could be given a second life, because they are originally of very high quality.

“This initiative is a passion project for our team and we are immensely proud of how it aligns with both our innovation and sustainability aims, and even better - that all proceeds will benefit worthy causes via the Emirates Airline Foundation.”

Meanwhile the Emirates Group has announced its best-ever six-month financial result.

The Group is reporting a 2023-24 half-year net profit of AED 10.1 billion (US$ 2.7 billion), surpassing its record half-year profit of AED 4.2 billion (US$ 1.2 billion) last year by 138%.

emirates.com