Emirates Champions Children's Education in Asia
Nearly 700 Aircrafted Kidz Backpacks Donated Across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh
As part of its global commitment to support children's education and promote equal learning opportunities, Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, has donated nearly 700 handcrafted Aircrafted Kidz backpacks to non-profit organizations across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Through this initiative, Emirates continues to invest in community empowerment, focusing on education in underserved regions of Asia.
This impactful initiative is part of the Aircrafted by Emirates program, which transforms materials from retired aircraft into meaningful, sustainable products. In Asia, these repurposed backpacks are now helping hundreds of schoolchildren in vulnerable communities access essential educational tools and improve their learning environments.
Educational Support in India: 400 Backpacks Donated to Smile Foundation
In a nation where educational equity remains a growing priority, Emirates donated 400 school backpacks to the Smile Foundation, a trusted local NGO working to provide safe and inclusive learning spaces for underprivileged children. Each Aircrafted Kidz backpack is filled with essential school supplies, including pens, pencils, notebooks, and age-appropriate books designed to support literacy, creativity, and interactive learning.
To ensure health and hygiene in classrooms, Emirates also included hand sanitizers and soaps in every backpack—reinforcing the link between well-being and academic success. The partnership underscores Emirates’ dedication to improving children’s access to education in India through long-term, community-based collaborations.
Empowering Young Learners in Pakistan with 107 Educational Kits
In Lahore, Pakistan, Emirates partnered with SOS Children’s Villages to distribute 107 backpacks to students in need. Each backpack was thoughtfully packed with school essentials—stationery, hygiene products, and books with local cultural themes—creating a complete educational toolkit for every child.
This collaboration supports SOS Children’s Villages’ mission to provide safe, inspiring learning environments for at-risk youth. Emirates’ involvement in Pakistan reflects its broader strategy of connecting communities through education, while actively supporting local education initiatives that promote sustainability and inclusion.
Enriching Education in Bangladesh: 187 Backpacks Donated to Dhaka-Based NGOs
In Dhaka, Bangladesh, Emirates donated 187 backpacks to students supported by Kanan, Thikana (Shelter Home), and Ahsania Mission Shishu Nagari—organizations known for their dedication to improving educational access in underserved urban areas. Each backpack contained school supplies, hygiene kits, and books by local authors, selected to enhance cultural awareness and language skills.
These donations align with national reforms in Bangladesh aimed at expanding primary education access, and demonstrate how Emirates uses local partnerships to generate long-term impact in the communities it serves.
Aircrafted by Emirates: Upcycling for Purpose-Driven Change
All backpacks donated in Asia are part of the Aircrafted by Emirates initiative, which upcycles materials from the airline’s iconic A380 and B777 aircraft. To date, over 50,000 kg of repurposed aircraft materials from 191 aircraft have been diverted from waste and transformed into sustainable products.
Already responsible for more than 1,200 backpacks donated in Africa, the Aircrafted program is a shining example of Emirates’ corporate social responsibility (CSR)—where sustainability, education, and community support intersect to create real impact.
Through these meaningful donations, Emirates not only offers material resources but also shares a message of hope, dignity, and opportunity, giving children the tools they need to grow, learn, and build a brighter future.
