The airline is working to supply students in Asia with backpacks upcycled from old aircraft interiors.
United Arab Emirates have launched a new programme called Aircrafted KIDS which has helped 700 less fortunate young school children across India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Previously 205 of Emirates’ aircraft underwent a refit meaning the fabric of old economy class seats was going spare, that is, until the scheme was launched. The material has since been used to create handmade school bags, which have also been filled with school supplies, for young pupils. Overall, the backpacks are made from 95% wool and 5% nylon.
The project wouldn’t have been possible without a number of partnerships and the individuals responsible for sewing them together – a team of 14 engineering maintenance assistants.
On the topic of partnerships, Emirates joined forces with Smile Foundation India, an institution that provides education, healthcare and livelihood programmes to children aged between six and 14-years-old. What’s more, they also collaborated with Kanan, Thikana and Ahsania Mission Shishu Nagari (all based in Bangladesh).
The video showcasing the scheme was created by Emirates and was first published on their YouTube channel.
Following the success of the initiative, Emirates is due to expand the project to Egypt and the MENA region. What’s more, the airline company are also set to launch a limited-edition luggage collection – any money made will be donated to the Emirates Airline Foundation.
