Etihad Airways has unveiled a striking new livery on one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, showcasing the branding of its partner, McLaren Racing. This marks a historic moment as it is the first time a Formula 1 team has been featured on a wide-body aircraft. The aircraft was revealed during an event at Etihad’s Engineering facility in Abu Dhabi, where it set a Guinness World Record for the largest single-piece kabuki reveal.
The aircraft, adorned in McLaren’s signature papaya color, will serve as a flying ambassador for the partnership, connecting Abu Dhabi with various global destinations including Dublin, Milan, Vienna, Bali, Bangkok, and Delhi. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Formula 1 has a remarkable ability to connect people and create excitement across borders.” He noted that the first flight featuring the new livery will take off today to Madrid, with plans to expand to other cities worldwide.
Collaboration Highlights
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, emphasized the significance of the aircraft, stating it “brings together two iconic global brands” and will enhance connections with fans and customers globally. The design process for the livery involved 15 different options before arriving at the final look, showcasing the collaborative effort between the two organizations.
This livery is part of a broader partnership between Etihad Airways and McLaren Racing, which was announced earlier this year. As an official partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren Hypercar Team for the 2026 season and beyond, Etihad’s branding will also be prominently displayed on McLaren’s race cars, including the MCL40’s rear wing and driver helmets.
Etihad’s Commitment to Racing
Etihad Airways has a long-standing commitment to motorsport, having served as the title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. The upcoming season finale is scheduled to take place from December 3-6 on Yas Island, further solidifying the airline’s connection to the racing world.
As the partnership continues to evolve, the newly unveiled livery not only represents a significant marketing initiative but also highlights the growing intersection of aviation and motorsport, promising to bring fans closer to the action.
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