Abu dhabi: Emirates and Arsenal have introduced The Aircrafted Arsenal Crest, a 2.4-metre-high sculpture meticulously crafted from repurposed parts of the airline's Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. The unveiling occurred at Emirates Stadium, marking a significant milestone in the 20-year partnership between Emirates and Arsenal, which is set to continue until 2033.
According to Emirates News Agency, the sculpture celebrates Arsenal's recent Premier League victory and symbolizes the enduring collaboration between the club and the airline. The crest, completed in just 34 days by a team of 15 experts, combines aviation engineering precision with the skill of elite sports. Central to the installation is Arsenal's iconic cannon, reconstructed using parts from an Airbus A380, including a main landing gear wheel hub for the cannon wheel and a titanium bleed air duct for the barrel.
The shield's face is made from Boeing 777 aluminium fuselage skin, with aircraft cargo tracks forming its structure. The Arsenal lettering, crafted from aircraft windows and illuminated with integrated lighting, stands out against a black tile base. Emirates Engineering's Aircraft Material Upcycling team in Dubai meticulously designed and constructed the bespoke installation.
The components were chosen for their strength and adaptability, undergoing a process of cleaning, cutting, shaping, and assembling by Emirates Engineering specialists. Once completed, the crest was painted to match Arsenal's official colors, fitted with its lighting system, and transported from Dubai to London via Emirates SkyCargo for installation at the stadium.
The sculpture not only highlights Arsenal's industrial roots but also reflects Emirates' commitment to engineering excellence and innovation. The cannon has been a staple of Arsenal's emblem since 1905, earning the club the nickname "The Gunners." By incorporating an Airbus A380 landing gear hub, the crest intertwines Emirates' aviation heritage with Arsenal's symbol.
The unveiling was attended by Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, and Richard Garlick, Chief Executive of Arsenal, before Arsenal's match against Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates Cup. Sir Tim Clark remarked on the remarkable journey shared between Emirates and Arsenal, emphasizing the exceptional craftsmanship of the crest as a testament to the precision and ambition that define both aviation and elite sport.
Richard Garlick expressed gratitude towards Emirates for the tribute, recognizing the crest as a powerful symbol of the partnership. He reaffirmed the shared ambition and confidence as they embark on the next chapter together.
The partnership between Emirates and Arsenal is one of the most enduring in football, with Emirates continuing as Arsenal's front-of-shirt, training kit, and stadium naming rights partner through 2033. The Aircrafted Arsenal Crest will remain on permanent display in Emirates' hospitality space at Emirates Stadium.