Emirates launches ‘Aircrafted Kids’ initiative
To support education in Africa
Emirates has distributed over 1,300 handmade children’s backpacks crafted from upcycled aircraft interiors. The initiative, known as ‘Aircrafted Kids by Emirates,’ aims to support education and foster meaningful connections within the communities the Dubai-based airline serves.
The distribution commenced in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia, and it is planned to extend to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh shortly.
In Zimbabwe, Emirates collaborated with St Marcellin’s Children’s Village Trust and Rose of Sharon, two non-profit entities dedicated to caring for vulnerable children and providing nurturing educational environments.
In Zambia, the airline partnered with the Kucetekela Foundation, which supports academically promising, financially disadvantaged children, and the Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE) Zambia, an organisation focused on protecting families and vulnerable children through economic empowerment and education.
In Ethiopia, Emirates worked with Bravehearts Ethiopia, an NGO committed to empowering vulnerable children with a focus on quality education, and Roots Ethiopia, which supports various aspects of children’s education, particularly in rural areas. These collaborations are part of Emirates’ broader commitment to children’s welfare through the Emirates Airline Foundation.
As part of its environmental strategy, Emirates committed to repurposing over 50,000 kilograms of materials from 205 aircraft undergoing cabin interior refits. The airline’s Engineering team identified the high-quality seat fabric of Emirates Economy Class seats—composed of 95% wool and 5% nylon—as ideal for upcycling due to its durability and non-flammability.
A dedicated workshop within Emirates Engineering, staffed by 14 engineering maintenance assistants, was established to design and tailor backpacks suitable for children of various ages. The process involved laundering and deep cleaning the fabrics, conditioning leather accents, and adding new linings, zippers, and adjustable straps to create unique, sturdy backpacks. These backpacks were packed into specially branded ‘Aircrafted Kids’ boxes and shipped to their final destinations.
Emirates’ local offices in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Ethiopia played a pivotal role in the distribution process. The airline’s country managers and their teams visited the partner organisations to assist in packing and distributing the backpacks, engaging directly with the communities.
Inside each backpack, Emirates included school supplies such as stationery, calculators, and books from local authors that blend culturally rich stories with interactive learning opportunities. This initiative provided essential educational materials and reinforced Emirates’ commitment to community development and environmental sustainability.
The ‘Aircrafted Kids’ initiative is set to expand to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, with additional distributions planned in other regions. In conjunction with this philanthropic effort, Emirates is launching a limited-edition retail collection of luggage and accessories made from upcycled aircraft materials.
The first collection sold out rapidly, and the proceeds after costs were donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation, which supports humanitarian projects worldwide. This retail initiative allows Emirates fans to participate in the airline’s sustainability efforts while acquiring unique, eco-friendly products.
Image: Inside each backpack are school supplies and books from local authors. Credit: Emirates
