DUBAI- Emirates (EK) and Arsenal have unveiled the Aircrafted Arsenal Crest, a handcrafted sculpture made from upcycled aircraft components sourced from the airline’s Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 fleet. The installation was revealed at Emirates Stadium in London (LON) to celebrate 20 years of the partnership between Emirates and Arsenal.
The 2.4-metre illuminated crest highlights Emirates’ engineering expertise while marking the extension of its sponsorship agreement with Arsenal through 2033. The sculpture will remain permanently displayed at Emirates Stadium (LON) following its unveiling.
Emirates Engineering Transforms Aircraft Parts Into Arsenal Crest
The Aircrafted Arsenal Crest is a bespoke sculpture standing 2.4 metres tall and represents one of the most ambitious aircraft upcycling projects undertaken by Emirates Engineering.
Designed and built entirely in-house by Emirates Engineering’s Aircraft Material Upcycling team in Dubai, the project combined aviation engineering with craftsmanship and football heritage. A team of 15 engineers, mechanics, designers, technicians and painters completed the sculpture over 34 days.
The project celebrates two decades of collaboration between Emirates and Arsenal while reinforcing the airline’s growing focus on sustainable engineering initiatives that extend the life of retired aircraft materials.
The unveiling also follows Arsenal’s Premier League-winning season and signals the beginning of the next phase of one of football’s longest-running commercial partnerships.
Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 Components Find New Purpose
Every major section of the sculpture incorporates genuine aircraft components from Emirates’ Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 fleets.
At the centre of the installation is Arsenal’s iconic cannon, reconstructed using an Airbus A380 main landing gear wheel hub. The hub forms the centre of the cannon wheel, creating a direct visual connection between aviation engineering and the football club’s historic emblem.
A section of titanium bleed air duct from the Airbus A380 was reshaped to create the cannon barrel, while lightweight composite aircraft floor panels were assembled to build the three-dimensional structure of the cannon.
The shield surrounding the cannon was produced using aluminium fuselage skin from a Boeing 777 aircraft. Engineers also incorporated aircraft cargo tracks to create both the outer border and internal framework.
Additional aircraft cargo floor panels and cargo roller components were integrated throughout the installation, demonstrating how aviation materials can be repurposed beyond their operational life.
The Arsenal lettering was individually crafted using aircraft window components and fitted with warm white integrated lighting. Lighting installed beneath the sculpture’s specially constructed black tile base further enhances its appearance inside Emirates Stadium.
Built Entirely In Dubai Before Flying To London
The entire project was completed at Emirates Engineering’s facilities in Dubai.
Aircraft materials were carefully selected based on their structural strength, dimensions and suitability for reshaping into artistic components. Each piece underwent cleaning, cutting, machining, curving, riveting and assembly before final installation.
After construction, the sculpture was painted according to Arsenal’s official club colour specifications and fitted with its integrated lighting system.
The completed installation was then transported from Dubai to London aboard an Emirates SkyCargo freighter before being installed at Emirates Stadium.
Celebrating A 20-Year Football Partnership
The Aircrafted Arsenal Crest commemorates the 20-year relationship between Emirates and Arsenal, one of the most recognisable sponsorship partnerships in world football.
The partnership has now been extended through 2033. Under the agreement, Emirates will continue as Arsenal’s front-of-shirt sponsor, training kit partner and stadium naming rights partner.
This extension also maintains the Premier League’s longest-running continuous front-of-shirt sponsorship agreement.
By combining Emirates aircraft engineering with one of football’s most recognisable club symbols, the sculpture reflects the shared history between both organisations while celebrating their long-term commitment.
Leadership Highlights Shared Heritage
The sculpture was officially unveiled ahead of Arsenal’s Emirates Cup match against Borussia Dortmund.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said the sculpture represents two decades of shared achievements and demonstrates the airline’s engineering capabilities through a permanent tribute that combines aviation precision with sporting excellence.
He added that transforming Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 components into Arsenal’s iconic crest reflects the craftsmanship, ambition and innovation that define both organisations while giving retired aircraft materials a new purpose.
Richard Garlick, Chief Executive of Arsenal, described the installation as a meaningful tribute to the club’s long-standing relationship with Emirates. He said the crest reflects everything both organisations have achieved together and represents confidence in the future of their partnership.
Permanent Display At Emirates Stadium
Following its public unveiling, the Aircrafted Arsenal Crest will remain permanently displayed within Emirates’ hospitality space at Emirates Stadium.
The installation creates a lasting symbol of the partnership while showcasing how aviation engineering, sustainability and design can come together to produce a unique landmark celebrating both Emirates and Arsenal.
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