Watch: Sheikh Mohammed lauds Emirates’ drive to donate 'aircrafted' schoolbags

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Friday praised Emirates Airline for its heartwarming initiative that is helping underprivileged children across Asia and Africa.

Taking to social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed reposted a video of the project and wrote: “Beautiful initiative. Well done,” while tagging Emirates and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group.

The initiative, Aircrafted Kids, was first announced on World Environment Day in 2024. It involves repurposing materials from Emirates’ retired aircraft to create unique, eco-friendly schoolbags for disadvantaged children.

In February 2025, the initiative was rolled out in Africa, where 1,300 bags were distributed. Subsequently, the next phase of the project reached 700 students across India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan as of March. As per a previous announcement by Emirates, further rollouts are expected across the MENA region.

The limited-edition backpacks are crafted from durable seat fabric and leather from Emirates’ Economy Class interiors. In total, the airline plans to repurpose over 50,000kg of materials from 205 aircraft currently undergoing cabin refurbishment.

Each bag, a piece of aviation history, comes packed with school supplies, including stationery, calculators, and books. The initiative is part of Emirates’ efforts to support education while promoting sustainability and responsible consumption. "Through the Emirates Airline Foundation, Emirates has a long history of supporting children’s welfare programmes, and Aircrafted Kids is an extension of this work," the airline had said.

In India, Emirates partnered with the Smile Foundation to reach schoolchildren aged six to 14. In Bangladesh, the airline partnered with Kanan, Thikana, and Ahsania Mission Shishu Nagari — organisations providing shelter and education to underprivileged children in Dhaka. Emirates collaborated with SOS Children’s Villages in Pakistan to support financially disadvantaged students.

The bags were distributed personally by Emirates representatives, who visited each site, packed the kits, and engaged with the local organisations.

The backpacks were carefully designed by 14 Engineering Maintenance Assistants at Emirates, who tailored them for different age groups. The airline’s Corporate Communications, Marketing & Brand team worked with NGOs to ensure the designs were suitable and impactful.

In addition to this humanitarian drive, Emirates also has its 'Aircrafted by Emirates' retail collection, which includes limited-edition luggage. Proceeds from sales after costs will benefit the Emirates Airline Foundation, supporting global humanitarian projects.