The project is part of a growing trend that is giving aircraft parts a second life after retirement. From aircraft windows being transformed into furniture through to landing gear becoming works of art, we take a look at the ways aviation materials can take on a striking second life.<\/p>\n
How Emirates\u2019 turned A380 and Boeing 777 parts into an Arsenal crest<\/p>\n
The trend was demonstrated this month when Emirates unveiled an Arsenal crest<\/a> made from components recovered from its Airbus A380<\/a> and Boeing 777<\/a> fleets.\u00a0<\/p>\n Built by Emirates<\/a> Engineering, the 2.4m-high illuminated sculpture incorporates A380 landing-gear hardware, a titanium bleed-air duct, composite floor panels and Boeing 777 fuselage skin.\u00a0<\/p>\n It was created to mark 20 years of the airline\u2019s partnership with Arsenal and will remain on display at Emirates Stadium.<\/p>\n While the Arsenal crest made headlines, it\u2019s part of a wider movement across the aviation industry. Airlines are increasingly finding ways to transform retired aircraft and materials.<\/p>\n Inside SWISS\u2019 retired A321 makeover<\/p>\n SWISS<\/a>, for example, has created an entire collection from a retired Airbus A321<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n After 27 years of service, one of the carrier\u2019s Airbus A321s \u2013 HB-IOC \u2013 took on a new role as the first in the airline\u2019s SWISS Recraft Collection, an initiative designed to give components from retired aircraft a second life.<\/p>\n The aircraft, which had been the oldest A321 in the SWISS fleet, accumulated more than 73,000 flight hours and carried over seven million passengers during its career with Swissair and SWISS.\u00a0<\/p>\n Following retirement, HB-IOC underwent the conventional part-out process, with components removed for use as spare parts or in training.<\/p>\n Rather than being discarded, selected aircraft parts which were left were repurposed into new products.<\/p>\n They have been turned into baggage tags and key fobs, wall hooks, coat racks, bowls, mirrors and side tables.\u00a0<\/p>\n A specially-designed aircraft window can be mounted on a wall to serve as a bar or a display case.\u00a0<\/p>\n Parts of the fuselage skin and substructure and the inner and outer aircraft windows have all been reworked and reinterpreted by designers to create these recrafted items.<\/p>\n How Singapore airlines turns old aircraft into bags and artwork<\/p>\n Singapore Airlines <\/a>has also sought to extend the useful life of retired aircraft components through its Upcycling Project, supplying parts and materials to designers, artists, educational institutions and retail brands.<\/p>\n The initiative has seen aircraft materials repurposed into products including bags, furniture, clothing, accessories and service ware, while artists and sculptors have used them to create new artworks.\u00a0<\/p>\n SIA has also partnered with Singapore-based educational organisations to use aircraft components as teaching materials for design and art courses.<\/p>\n An additional element of the project involves SG Enable, an agency dedicated to supporting persons with disabilities. Products created from the components can then be sold, with proceeds returning to the participating makers.<\/p>\n Korean Air gives retired uniforms a second life<\/p>\n Korean Air has repurposed its retired mechanic uniforms into 2,000 tool pouches<\/a> for its maintenance teams, embracing sustainability in aviation operations.<\/p>\n With the introduction of eco-friendly uniforms earlier this year, the airline partnered with upcycling specialist Nukak to transform 700 decommissioned winter jackets into durable pouches.<\/p>\n The initiative builds on Korean Air\u2019s broader upcycling efforts, which include crafting travel accessories and operational items from retired materials.<\/p>\n Delta and Air France show just how far upcycling can go<\/p>\n Delta Air Lines<\/a> has taken a similar approach in the US, providing retired aircraft parts and materials to six artists<\/a>, who incorporated the aviation components into original works of art showcased in Miami.<\/p>\n Delta commissioned pieces from these six up-and-coming artists to elevate their work to new audiences and showcase their talents during one of the art world\u2019s biggest weekends. The immersive galleries \u2013 both in the air and on the ground \u2013 featured commissioned pieces as well as past work from the artists.<\/p>\n![\"Arsenal](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/france\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/kaihavertzandriccardocalafioriexploretheaircraftedarsenalcrest-scaled.jpg\")
Photo: Emirates<\/p>\n![\"Korean](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/france\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Photo2.jpg\")
Photo: Korean Air<\/p>\n![\"Delta's](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/france\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/mia.jpg\")
Photo: Delta<\/p>\n