Etihad Airways Debuts McLaren-Themed Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Etihad Airways has proudly introduced a striking Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, adorned with the iconic papaya orange livery of McLaren Racing. This innovative partnership extends McLaren's distinctive brand from the racetrack to commercial aviation, offering a unique visual experience for travelers.

Details of the Unveiling and Service

The specially designed aircraft made its grand debut on November 9, 2026, at an Etihad Engineering facility in Abu Dhabi. The unveiling ceremony achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest single-piece “kabuki reveal,” where a colossal curtain dramatically dropped to showcase the aircraft. This event marked a significant milestone, as it represents the first instance of a Formula 1 team's branding gracing a wide-body commercial airliner.

The livery features McLaren's vibrant papaya orange across the fuselage, complemented by a dark mask around the cockpit windows, while seamlessly integrating Etihad's signature tail fin design. This particular Boeing 787-10, registered as A6-BMI, boasts an interesting history, having previously served as a flying laboratory for Boeing and NASA in 2020, where it conducted crucial noise and sustainable fuel tests as part of the ecoDemonstrator program.

The papaya Dreamliner began its commercial service on November 10, 2026, with its inaugural flight, EY103, traveling from Abu Dhabi to Madrid. Passengers can expect to see this distinctive aircraft operating on various regular routes within Etihad's extensive global network, including European destinations such as Dublin, Milan, and Vienna, as well as Asian cities like Bali, Bangkok, Delhi, and Jakarta. Beyond the exterior, the partnership enhances the passenger experience within the cabin, with Etihad offering exclusive, limited-edition McLaren loungewear for First and Business Class travelers on select long-haul journeys.

This collaboration between Etihad Airways and McLaren Racing transcends traditional sponsorship, transforming a commercial aircraft into a flying testament to the excitement and innovation of Formula 1. It offers a fresh and engaging way for fans worldwide to connect with the McLaren brand, while highlighting Etihad's commitment to unique travel experiences. This initiative not only celebrates the synergy between high-performance motorsport and advanced aviation but also sets a new benchmark for brand integration in the travel industry, inspiring both aviation and motorsport enthusiasts alike.