Emirates has announced the launch of a unique capsule collection of luggage, bags and accessories.
The collection was fashioned using recycled materials from retrofitted aircraft.
The limited-edition range features a selection of suitcases, backpacks, handbags, cardholders, toiletry bags, belts and even shoes – all designed and handmade by Emirates tailors.
Scheduled for sale in 2024 in Emirates official stores, all proceeds will be donated to children in need, via the Emirates Airline Foundation.
A selection of bags and accessories will also be on display at the Dubai Airshow in DWC, from 13-17 November, on the Emirates stand.
The materials used to craft the stylish collection have been gathered from the Emirates A380, as well as from 777 aircraft.
All kinds of surprising materials have been repurposed for the luggage and bags, from aluminum headrests, to leather from couches in the A380 onboard lounge, to seatbelts and even fur from the captains seat.
From 16 recycled aircrafts, more than 14,000kg of materials have already been recovered.
Ahmed Safa, Divisional Senior Vice President for Engineering at Emirates, said: “At Emirates, we are committed to constantly evolving our sustainability efforts, and looking at every aspect of our products and supply chain.
“We knew these materials could be given a second life, because they are originally of very high quality. We challenged our team to be as creative and innovative as possible, and here we are, with our own accessories workshop in Emirates Engineering Centre!
“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.”
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.
The materials used are high quality pure leather from the first class seats, seat fabrics of 95 per cent wool and pure leather from the captain’s seats.
All fabrics are freshly laundered in a facility, then further deep cleaned by hand, leather-conditioned if required, and thoroughly disinfected before being sewn into unique pieces.
Emirates has a team of 14 ‘tailors’, officially titled as Engineering Maintenance Assistants, whose role involves fixing and stitching any tears in the interiors of Emirates vast aircraft fleet.
Four of these tailors are currently dedicated full-time to the upcycling initiative, crafting upcycled products and collaborating with suppliers for ideas on how to repurpose various materials.
