Emirates is launching a capsule collection of luggage, bags and accessories made from upcycled materials from retrofitted aircraft.
The limited-edition range features a selection of suitcases, backpacks, handbags, cardholders, toiletry bags, belts and shoes, designed and handmade by Emirates tailors in a dedicated cabin workshop at Emirates Engineering facility in Dubai.
The range is scheduled for sale in 2024 in Emirates Official Stores, and 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 collection have been gathered from the Emirates A380 and 777 aircraft.
The airline shared that a range of materials have been repurposed for the luggage and bags, from aluminium headrests, to leather from couches in the A380 onboard lounge, to seatbelts and even fur from the Captains seat.
From 16 retrofitted aircraft, more than 14,000kg of materials have already been recovered.
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.
The materials used are high-quality pure leather from the First Class Seats, seat fabrics of 95% 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. Brand-new lining is added to the bags, along with functional zippers.
Emirates shared it has a team of 14 ‘tailors’, officially titled 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.
Ahmed Safa, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President for Engineering, 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.”
