NATIONAL, INDIA – Etihad Airways’ new McLaren Racing-themed Boeing 787 Dreamliner has taken its first flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid on 10 November, just hours after the special aircraft was unveiled in a world-record breaking event in Abu Dhabi.
Flight EY103 to Madrid marked the start of the aircraft’s journey across Etihad’s global network, taking McLaren Racing’s distinctive papaya identity from Abu Dhabi to destinations around the world. The aircraft transforms one of Etihad’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners into a flying celebration of the partnership, bringing the energy of McLaren Racing to Etihad guests and motorsport fans wherever it flies.
Guests on the inaugural flight also received special keepsakes to mark the occasion, extending the celebration throughout the aircraft. All passengers were treated to commemorative Etihad and McLaren Racing cards and branded cookies, and guests travelling in Business were gifted branded caps and signed cards from Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The launch comes as Abu Dhabi prepares for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the aircraft set to carry McLaren Racing’s colours from Etihad’s home in the UAE capital to destinations around the world.
The aircraft is one of the first highly visible expressions of the partnership between Etihad and McLaren Racing, with the collaboration now extending beyond the livery to the onboard guest experience. To celebrate the aircraft entering service and the wider sponsorship, Etihad has released a limited-edition collection of Etihad and McLaren cobranded loungewear designed exclusively for guests flying in Business, First and The Residence on longer routes.
The loungewear will be available for one month, launching exclusively on the McLaren livery aircraft until 18 November, and expanding across the long-haul fleet until after the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.
The limited-edition collection brings together Etihad’s premium onboard experience with McLaren Racing’s instantly recognisable identity. Business guests will receive a crew-neck design, while guests travelling in First and The Residence will receive an exclusive zip-neck variation. Both feature Etihad and McLaren Racing branding, finished with detailing in McLaren Racing’s signature papaya colour. Available exclusively to Etihad guests in sizes S to XL, each set is theirs to keep after the flight, offering a limited-edition memento of the Etihad and McLaren Racing partnership.
The McLaren Racing livery, unveiled at an exhilarating event at the Etihad Airways hangar in Abu Dhabi, is the world’s first racing team livery on a wide-body aircraft. The livery will take the McLaren Racing brand from racetrack to runway, delighting fans as it flies across Etihad’s global network.
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Together with Etihad’s codeshare partners, Etihad’s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. To learn more, visit etihad.com.
About McLaren Racing
McLaren Racing was founded by racing driver Bruce McLaren in 1963. The team entered its first Formula 1 race in 1966. McLaren has since won 23 Formula 1 world championships, over 200 Formula 1 Grands Prix, the Indianapolis 500 three times, and the Le Mans 24 Hours at its first attempt.
McLaren Racing competes across three racing series. The team competes in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship with McLaren Mastercard F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with Arrow McLaren drivers Pato O’Ward, Scott Dixon, Felix Rosenqvist and Ryan Hunter-Reay, and F1 Academy with Driver Development programme members Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens.
McLaren is a champion for sustainability in the sport and a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Commitment. It is committed to achieving net zero by 2040 and fostering a diverse and inclusive culture in the motorsport industry.
