What happens to an aircraft’s interior after a major cabin refresh? If you’re Emirates, the answer is simple: you turn it into opportunity. Through its Aircrafted Kids initiative, the Dubai-based airline is giving new life to its retired aircraft materials — one backpack at a time.

As part of a larger sustainability and community effort, Emirates has distributed 700 upcycled schoolbags across India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Each bag is a unique piece crafted from the fabric of Emirates’ iconic Economy Class seats. Inside are essential school supplies — from stationery to calculators and shared books — carefully packed and hand-delivered by Emirates staff working closely with local partners.

A backpack, a mission

Designed and sewn by a dedicated 14-member team from Emirates Engineering, the bags are part of the Aircrafted by Emirates collection. These pieces are made from 95% wool and 5% nylon seat fabric originally sourced from Germany and Ireland, known for its strength and fire resistance.

Each piece is meticulously cleaned, conditioned, and repurposed with brand-new linings, zippers, and straps to make them classroom-ready. Once completed, the bags are packed into branded Aircrafted Kids boxes and shipped via Emirates SkyCargo and dnata Logistics, ensuring that every child receives their schoolbag on time and in style.

In every country, Emirates worked with reputable partners to ensure that the bags reached children who would benefit most. In India, the airline partnered with Smile Foundation India; in Bangladesh, with Kanan, Thikana, and Ahsania Mission Shishu Nagari; and in Pakistan, with SOS Children’s Villages. In the Philippines, Emirates has also worked with long-time partner, Virlanie Foundation, that aims to help disadvantaged children reach their full potential and reintegrate them into society.

Upcycling for a cause

The schoolbag initiative is part of a broader Emirates environmental strategy. As the airline upgrades 205 aircraft with new interiors, more than 50,000 kilograms of materials are being earmarked for reuse. Rather than ending up as waste, these materials are being transformed into high-quality products with a purpose.

With 1,300 bags already distributed across Africa and 700 in Asia, the next stops for Aircrafted Kids are Egypt and other destinations in the MENA region.

Fans of the brand will soon get a chance to purchase from the upcoming Aircrafted by Emirates luggage collection. The first release of limited-edition upcycled travel pieces sold out in days. As before, net proceeds will benefit the Emirates Airline Foundation, which supports global humanitarian projects.

Emirates is also encouraging customers to contribute directly to the foundation, giving people everywhere a chance to be part of a mission that’s bigger than travel — one that connects communities and empowers futures.