Emirates has launched its ‘Aircrafted Kids’ initiative, delivering more than 1,300 handmade schoolbags filled with essential stationery supplies to children in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia. The unique backpacks, crafted from upcycled materials from Emirates’ aircraft interiors, are part of a larger global effort to support children’s education and sustainability.
The initiative collaborates with six organisations across Africa, offering young students a piece of aviation history through limited-edition bags made from the durable fabrics and parts of Emirates’ iconic planes.
Supporting local communities
In Zimbabwe, Emirates partnered with St Marcellin’s Children’s Village Trust and Rose of Sharon, two not-for-profit organisations dedicated to caring for vulnerable children and promoting education.
In Zambia, the airline worked with the Kucetekela Foundation, which assists academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students, and the Alliance for Children Everywhere (ACE) Zambia, focused on family protection, community empowerment, and education.
Ethiopia saw collaborations with Bravehearts Ethiopia, an NGO that champions quality education for vulnerable children, and Roots Ethiopia, which enhances rural children’s educational opportunities.
Emirates’ local teams, including country managers, participated in the distribution, packing bags and connecting with these impactful organisations. Each backpack was filled with school essentials such as stationery, calculators, and books by local authors, blending cultural stories with interactive learning.
Expanding the initiative to Asia
Following the successful rollout in Africa, Emirates plans to extend the ‘Aircrafted Kids’ initiative to India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, with more countries to follow.
The story behind Aircrafted Kids backpacks
The schoolbags are part of Emirates’ commitment to sustainability, with over 50,000 kilograms of aircraft materials being repurposed as part of a major cabin interior refit. The bags are crafted from Emirates’ Economy Class seat fabrics—95% wool and 5% nylon—known for their durability and safety.
A dedicated team of 14 Engineering Maintenance Assistants at Emirates designed and tailored the backpacks. The project involved meticulous cleaning, conditioning, and customising, resulting in safe and comfortable bags for children. The finished products were shipped worldwide through Emirates’ SkyCargo and dnata Logistics.
Limited edition luggage for a cause
Emirates fans can soon purchase limited-edition luggage as part of the ‘Aircrafted by Emirates’ retail range. Following the sell-out success of the first collection, a new capsule collection will launch soon, with proceeds benefiting the Emirates Airline Foundation’s humanitarian projects.
