London: Emirates and Arsenal have unveiled a striking new installation, the Aircrafted Arsenal Crest, a 2.4-metre-high illuminated sculpture handcrafted from upcycled parts taken from Emirates' Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.The sculpture was revealed at Emirates Stadium to celebrate 20 years of partnership between the airline and the Premier League champions, following the recent extension of the agreement through 2033.Created over 34 days by a team of 15 engineers, designers, mechanics, technicians and painters from Emirates Engineering in Dubai, the installation transforms retired aviation components into one of football's most recognisable emblems.Aviation meets footballAt the centre of the sculpture is Arsenal's iconic cannon, reconstructed using parts from an Emirates Airbus A380.An A380 main landing gear wheel hub forms the centre of the cannon wheel, while a section of titanium bleed air duct has been reshaped to create the cannon barrel. Composite aircraft floor panels were used to build the cannon's three-dimensional structure.The shield itself was created using sheets of Boeing 777 aluminium fuselage skin, while aircraft cargo tracks, cargo floor panels and roller components were repurposed throughout the design.The Arsenal lettering was individually crafted from aircraft windows and fitted with warm white lighting, while additional lighting beneath the plinth illuminates the sculpture and its specially constructed black-tiled base.Built in Dubai, unveiled in LondonThe installation was designed and produced in-house by Emirates Engineering's Aircraft Material Upcycling Team in Dubai.Aircraft components were cleaned, cut, curved, machined, riveted and assembled before being painted to match Arsenal's official colours. The finished crest was then transported from Dubai to London aboard an Emirates SkyCargo freighter ahead of its installation.The project creates a symbolic link between Arsenal's industrial heritage and Emirates' engineering expertise.Celebrating a 20-year partnershipThe Aircrafted Arsenal Crest was unveiled by Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, and Richard Garlick, Chief Executive of Arsenal, ahead of Arsenal's Emirates Cup fixture against Borussia Dortmund.Sir Tim Clark said the installation was designed to celebrate a partnership that has evolved far beyond traditional sports sponsorship. "Emirates and Arsenal have shared an extraordinary journey over the past 20 years. We have watched the club evolve, welcomed new generations of supporters and celebrated many defining moments together."Our Engineering team has transformed components from our Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft into one of football's most iconic symbols."He added that the craftsmanship reflected the precision, ambition and excellence shared by both aviation and elite sport.Garlick described the sculpture as a fitting tribute to two decades of collaboration. "We're hugely grateful to Emirates for creating this special tribute to our club and to 20 years of partnership between us. The Crest stands as a powerful reflection of our relationship and everything we've achieved together along the way."Permanent displayThe unveiling comes days after Emirates and Arsenal announced the extension of their long-running partnership through 2033, ensuring Emirates remains Arsenal's front-of-shirt sponsor, training kit partner and stadium naming rights partner.Following its unveiling, the Aircrafted Arsenal Crest will be permanently displayed in Emirates' hospitality area at Emirates Stadium, serving as a lasting symbol of one of football's most enduring commercial partnerships
