NATIONAL, INDIA – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled a striking new livery carrying the distinctive branding of partner McLaren Racing, marking the first time a Formula 1 team has been featured on a wide-body aircraft. Guests stepping onboard the Etihad Dreamliner will be a part of Formula 1 history.
The specially designed aircraft celebrates the partnership between Etihad Airways and McLaren Racing, creating one of the most prominent motorsport liveries ever carried by a commercial aircraft and a new way for guests and fans to connect with McLaren Racing.
Bringing together two globally recognised brands, the design transforms one of Etihad’s flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliners with McLaren’s distinctive identity and papaya colour. The aircraft will take the partnership around the world as it operates across Etihad’s extensive global network, connecting Abu Dhabi with destinations from Dublin, Milan and Vienna to Bali, Bangkok and Delhi.
The livery was revealed in a record-breaking event at the Etihad Engineering facility in Abu Dhabi, featuring the record title for the largest single piece kabuki reveal, independently verified by Guinness World Records.
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “Etihad and McLaren Racing are two ambitious global brands with a shared focus on performance and a drive to keep moving forward. This aircraft will proudly carry that story from our home in Abu Dhabi to cities around the world, bringing our partnership closer to fans wherever it flies and sharing the excitement of Formula 1 with people across our expanding global network.”
“Formula 1 has a remarkable ability to connect people and create excitement across borders, and together with McLaren we have an opportunity to bring fans even closer to the action and create memorable moments for them around the world. I look forward to seeing the aircraft in the skies.”
Zak Brown, CEO McLaren Racing, said: “It’s fantastic to see our partnership with Etihad Airways brought to life in such a unique way. The aircraft livery brings together two iconic global brands and will connect McLaren Racing and Etihad with fans and customers around the world. We look forward to seeing our trademark papaya up in the sky.”
The livery is the latest expression of the partnership between Etihad Airways and McLaren Racing announced earlier this year. Etihad is an Official Partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren Hypercar Team for the 2026 season and beyond.
The relationship reflects the shared characteristics of two industries shaped by technology, teamwork and high performance. As McLaren competes around the world, Etihad’s network connects Abu Dhabi with many of the sport’s major destinations including Australia, China, Japan, Singapore, the UK, Spain, Italy and the United States.
Alongside the new aircraft livery, Etihad branding features prominently on the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team race cars including the MCL40’s rear wing and halo, as well as McLaren Mastercard F1 Team driver helmets.
The partnership builds on Etihad’s long-standing commitment to racing, including its role as title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. Abu Dhabi will host the season finale this December.
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- Etihad unveils McLaren Racing livery on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (aircraft photo)
- Official group photo, left to right: Nicholas Paul Collins, CEO McLaren Executive Officer; Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing; H.E. Mohamed Al Shorafa, Chairman, Etihad; H.E. Jassem Al Zaabi, L’Imad; H.E. Salem Alnoaimi, L’Imad; Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad.
- Antonoaldo Neves, CEO Etihad Airways, Zak Brown, CEO McLaren Racing, and McLaren racing legend Mika Häkkinen take the stage at the event.
Video:
https://eyviscomms.box.com/s/1wb9n6vfyuw1myn8yrzptsgdvefkez6f
- B-roll of unveiling event.
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.
