Etihad Airways has painted a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in the iconic colours and branding of McLaren Racing. It is the first time the Formula 1 team's identity has been applied to a commercial wide-body aircraft. The initiative is a new milestone in the partnership between the Abu Dhabi-based airline and the British motorsport organisation and gives a highly visible way to link aviation passengers with Formula 1.

Etihad’s flagship Dreamliners will become a flying billboard for both brands, with the aircraft dressed in McLaren’s signature papaya colour and unique graphic identity. This is one of the most high profile motorsport liveries to ever appear on a commercial aircraft,” said the airline. It was also another way for fans and travellers to engage with McLaren Racing.

Abu Dhabi: record-breaking start

The new design was officially unveiled at Etihad Engineering’s Abu Dhabi facility, during an event which also earned a Guinness World Records title. A single-piece kabuki reveal was proposed as the biggest, and verified by Guinness World Records.

The unveiling also highlighted the deepening relationship between two international brands whose operations are closely tied to performance, innovation and technological development, and the visual impact of the aircraft.

Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the aircraft will be branded with the identity of the partnership from Abu Dhabi to destinations across the airline’s international network.

"They both have a shared ambition and performance driven culture," he said, adding that Formula 1 has a unique ability to bring people together and create excitement across borders. “Working with McLaren gives us a great opportunity to engage supporters with the sport and create memorable experiences for fans around the world,” he said.

Neves also said he looked forward to seeing the specially branded aircraft operating on international routes.

McLaren’s papaya identity takes off

“We welcome the initiative and it’s a unique way of bringing the partnership with Etihad Airways to life,” said McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown.

He said the livery combines two globally recognised brands and will help link McLaren Racing and Etihad with customers and supporters across the globe. Brown was also pleased to see the skies filled with McLaren’s trademark papaya colours.

The Dreamliner will connect Abu Dhabi with Etihad’s extensive international network, including cities in Europe such as Dublin, Milan and Vienna, and Asia including Bali, Bangkok and Delhi. The partnership will also be an opportunity to showcase in other key Formula 1 markets.

Broader collaboration in Formula 1 and endurance racing

The aircraft’s paint job is the latest evolution of the relationship between Etihad Airways and McLaren Racing, announced earlier in 2026.

As part of the agreement, Etihad will also be an Official Partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren Hypercar Team for 2026 and beyond.

The partnership originates from the common priorities of the aviation and motorsport industries, which are their dependence on advanced technology, combined teamwork and high performance standards.

Etihad also pointed out the geographical synergies between its international route network and the McLaren global racing calendar. The team competes internationally including in Australia, China, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and the United States. The airline links Abu Dhabi with a number of major Formula 1 destinations.

The cooperation is larger than the aeroplane. Etihad branding is also visible on McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team racing cars, including the rear wing and halo of the MCL40, and the team’s drivers’ helmets.

Etihad and McLaren are extending their partnership beyond traditional sponsor placements. With this initiative, they are utilising the airline’s global operations to bring their shared identity to audiences around the world.