Thai Airways wins two DEmark 2026 awards for recycled aircraft materials
The airline won the
Design Excellence Award in the Lifestyle Products category and a Special Award
for Social Impact for its “AFTER ALTITUDE: MALAI SERIES.” The awards were
presented at a ceremony in Bangkok on August 27.
Chaiyong Ratanapaisalsuk,
director of the airline’s Corporate Strategy and Development Department,
accepted the awards on behalf of Thai Airways.
The product series is
part of the carrier’s “Zero Waste Living by THAI” initiative, which focuses on
reusing materials from the aviation industry rather than sending them to waste.
One featured product is a
14-inch laptop sleeve made by repurposing seat-covering fabric from retired
Thai Airways aircraft. Its design draws inspiration from the traditional Thai
“malai,” or flower garland, which is associated with welcome and good fortune.
The sleeves feature
contemporary patterns and different colors, making individual pieces distinct
while incorporating elements of Thai culture and aviation.
Thai Airways said the
recognition supports its broader “Waste to Wealth” approach, which seeks to
create new value from discarded materials through design and innovation.
The project combines
sustainability with consumer products while preserving a connection to the
airline’s aviation heritage and Thai identity.
