Emirates and Arsenal have marked two decades of collaboration with a striking new installation at Emirates Stadium: a 24-metre-high crest built from retired Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 parts. The Aircrafted Arsenal Crest, revealed on 9 August 2026, celebrates a partnership that now runs through 2033, covering front-of-shirt, training kit, and stadium naming rights.
The centrepiece is Arsenal's iconic cannon, reconstructed using an A380 wheel hub and a titanium air duct. The shield's face is formed from Boeing 777 aluminium fuselage skin, while aircraft windows make up the Arsenal lettering, illuminated with integrated lighting. Emirates Engineering's Aircraft Material Upcycling team designed and built the installation in Dubai over 34 days.
Engineering precision meets football heritage
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, highlighted the craftsmanship behind the piece. "The craftsmanship behind the Crest is exceptional. It reflects the precision, discipline, and ambition that define both aviation and elite sport," he said. Richard Garlick, Chief Executive of Arsenal, added: "The Crest stands as a powerful reflection of our relationship and everything we've achieved together."
The sculpture will be permanently displayed in Emirates' hospitality space at the stadium, offering fans and corporate guests a tangible link between aviation and football. The project underscores Emirates' broader commitment to sustainability, repurposing materials that would otherwise be scrapped.
This unveiling comes as Emirates continues to expand its commercial and operational footprint. The carrier recently expanded booking flexibility with free date changes and new travel cover, and its SkyCargo division flew the UAE's first AI satellite to Los Angeles. The airline has also extended discounted fares across 60 destinations until August 2026.
The Emirates-Arsenal alliance is one of football's longest-running shirt sponsorships, and the renewal to 2033 signals continued confidence in the commercial value of sports partnerships. For travel professionals, the tie-in offers a case study in brand activation that blends aviation heritage with fan engagement.
Emirates Engineering's upcycling initiative is part of a broader industry trend toward circular economy practices. Airlines and suppliers are increasingly finding second lives for aircraft components, from cabin fittings to structural elements. The Arsenal crest demonstrates how such materials can be transformed into high-profile marketing assets.
For hospitality and MICE operators, the installation adds a new talking point at Emirates Stadium, which hosts corporate events and matchday experiences. The crest's permanent placement in the hospitality space could enhance the venue's appeal for premium bookings.
As Emirates and Arsenal look ahead to 2033, the partnership is expected to evolve beyond traditional sponsorship. The crest serves as a physical symbol of that evolution, merging the worlds of aviation and sport in a way that resonates with global audiences.
