Emirates turns parts of world’s largest passenger plane Airbus A380 into iconic Arsenal emblem

Emirates has transformed parts from the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, and its Boeing 777 fleet into a giant Arsenal crest as it celebrates 20 years of partnership with the Premier League club.

The illuminated 2.4-metre sculpture, dubbed the Aircrafted Arsenal Crest, was unveiled at Emirates Stadium on August 9, 2026, ahead of the Emirates Cup match against Borussia Dortmund.

The installation was created using 84 components recovered from retired Emirates aircraft, giving discarded aviation materials a new purpose while creating a permanent symbol of the airline’s relationship with Arsenal.

A team of 15 engineers, designers, mechanics, technicians and painters from Emirates Engineering’s Aircraft Material Upcycling division in Dubai completed the sculpture in just 34 days.

The finished crest was then transported to London on an Emirates SkyCargo freighter before being installed at the stadium.

A380 Wheel Hub Forms Arsenal Cannon

At the centre of the sculpture is Arsenal’s famous cannon, which has featured on every version of the club’s crest since 1905.

An A380 main landing gear wheel hub forms the centre of the cannon’s wheel, while a section of titanium bleed-air duct was reshaped to create the barrel.

Composite floor panels were also used to form the cannon’s three-dimensional structure.

The surrounding shield was made from aluminium fuselage skin taken from Boeing 777 aircraft. Cargo tracks, floor panels and roller components were also repurposed as part of the structure.

Even the “Arsenal” lettering has an aviation connection, with sections of aircraft windows shaped into the individual letters and fitted with warm-white lighting.

From retired aircraft to stadium artwork

The components went through a detailed process before becoming part of the finished artwork. They were cleaned, cut, curved, machined, riveted, assembled and painted in Arsenal’s official colours.

Emirates president Sir Tim Clark and Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick formally unveiled the sculpture, which was designed to combine the engineering precision of aviation with the discipline and identity of elite football.

The project also highlights Emirates’ approach to aircraft material upcycling, demonstrating how components from retired planes can be repurposed rather than simply discarded.

The collaboration comes as Emirates and Arsenal celebrate two decades of partnership.

Their relationship began in 2006 and has grown into one of the Premier League’s most recognisable commercial partnerships, with Emirates holding the naming rights to the stadium and featuring on the front of the club’s men’s, women’s and academy shirts.