Summary
- Emirates is launching a novel capsule collection featuring a spread of accessories sourced from its recently retrofitted Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
- Each bit is handmade to order, and customers can personalize some exclusive bags available in limited quantities. The range will go on sale in 2024.
- Proceeds from the sale of this stuff will go to the Emirates Airline Foundation, which supports children in developing countries.
With Dubai firmly established as the style capital of the Middle East, it’s unsurprising that flag carrier Emirates also holds a flare for style.
From 2024, the airline will launch a novel and exclusive capsule collection featuring luggage, belts, handbags, and other accessories sourced from its iconic Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
On the runway
The thrifty upcycling project has seen Emirate’s dedicated tailoring team repurpose over 14,000 kg of materials from its 2022 retrofitting endeavor, including top notch seating leather, fur from the captain’s seat, nylon from seatbelts, and even aluminum headrests, into suitcases, shoes, and other accessories. In line with the airline, each cabin retrofitting can provide as much as 270 kg of leather and 627 kg of seat fabric, expanding the project further.
Each bit is handmade to order, with customers in a position to personalize some exclusive one-of-a-kind bags on offer in a limited quantity, adding an extra unique edge.
Photo: Emirates
Though the items won’t be added to Emirates’ official stores until next 12 months, visitors at this 12 months’s Dubai Airshow in Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) can have the prospect to catch a glimpse of several pieces at Emirates’ stand between November 13 and 17.
Adding to its sustainability and socially conscious initiative, Emirates has confirmed all proceeds will go to its Emirates Airline Foundation, supporting children in developing countries.
Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President for Engineering Ahmed Safa praised the airline’s work in repurposing its interiors, noting its continued commitment towards sustainability across all features of its business. Safa added,
“We knew these materials might be given a second life, because they’re originally of very top quality. We challenged our team to be as creative and progressive as possible, and here we’re, with our own accessories workshop in Emirates Engineering Centre! This initiative is a passion project for our team, and we’re immensely pleased with the way it aligns with each our innovation and sustainability goals.”
Going green
Alongside its current upcycling project, Dubai-based Emirates has made several notable steps towards reaching its net zero carbon goals over the past several months.
In October, the airline announced it had accomplished its first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) powered flight on a service between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Sydney International Airport (SYD). Utilizing a 60/40 Kerosene-SAF mix to simulate jet fuel, the carrier powered one among its behemoth A380s with the bio-fuel for all the 12,039 km (7,480.7 mi) journey with none incident, opening up the potential for further advancements in SAF research and development.
Photo: Emirates
In a press release shared earlier this month, airline president Tim Clark praised the flight and Emirates’ work towards supporting customers in reducing their carbon footprints,
Other recent initiatives include a recent partnership with United for Wildlife, with the airline rolling out a spread of latest amenity kits on long-haul services, raising awareness for wildlife conservation. The products offered throughout the kit are similarly sustainably sourced, featuring recycled plastic and non-toxic soy-based ink.
Will you be purchasing one among Emirates’ upcycled capsule items? What are your thoughts on the project? Tell us within the comments.