Emirates has expanded its Aircrafted Kids initiative to Asia, donating 700 schoolbags made from repurposed aircraft materials to children in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The airline collaborated with educational and social welfare organizations across the three countries to distribute the handmade bags, each filled with stationery, books, and essential school supplies.
The limited-edition schoolbags are part of Emirates’ Aircrafted range, created using seat fabrics and parts from retired aircraft. With 1,300 bags already delivered in Africa, the Asia rollout is the latest phase in the airline’s global effort to upcycle cabin materials and support children’s education. The bags were distributed directly to students through partnerships with local organizations.
In India, Emirates worked with the Smile Foundation, which provides educational, healthcare, and livelihood support for children aged 6 to 14. In Bangladesh, the airline partnered with three groups based in Dhaka—Kanan, Thikana (Shelter Home), and Ahsania Mission Shishu Nagari—that focus on shelter, education, and wellbeing for women and children.
In Pakistan, the airline collaborated with SOS Children’s Villages, which supports disadvantaged youths through education and care programs. In the Philippines, Emirates continues its partnership with the Virlanie Foundation, a non-profit that helps reintegrate vulnerable children into society.
Representatives from Emirates visited each site in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, helping pack and hand out the bags while connecting with local partners. Each bag contained school supplies such as pens, notebooks, calculators, and a variety of books for classroom use.
The Aircrafted Kids schoolbags are produced as part of Emirates’ broader sustainability strategy, which includes reusing more than 50,000 kilograms of materials from 205 aircraft undergoing cabin interior upgrades. Emirates Engineering identified opportunities to repurpose the durable, fire-resistant seat fabric—made from a blend of 95 percent wool and 5 percent nylon sourced from Germany and Ireland—into new products.
In a dedicated Emirates workshop, 14 Engineering Maintenance Assistants designed and assembled the backpacks in various sizes suitable for different age groups. The Emirates Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand team coordinated with non-governmental organizations to identify suitable recipients and design preferences. All fabrics were laundered, hand-cleaned, conditioned, and disinfected before being sewn. New linings, functional zippers, and adjustable straps were added, and the bags were packed into Aircrafted Kids boxes for shipping.
Emirates SkyCargo and dnata Logistics facilitated the transport of the bags across continents, with the project engaging staff across departments in a coordinated effort to support children’s welfare through creative reuse.
The next phase of the Aircrafted Kids schoolbag initiative will take place in Egypt, with more destinations across the Middle East and North Africa to follow.
Emirates also plans to release a second phase of its Aircrafted retail collection in the coming months. The limited-edition luggage range, made from similar upcycled materials, will be sold to the public, with proceeds after costs donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, which supports global humanitarian projects. The first capsule collection sold out within days. Emirates also welcomes donations to its foundation at any time.