Etihad Airways has unveiled a Boeing 787 Dreamliner painted in McLaren Racing’s signature papaya colourway, in what the airline says is the first time an Formula 1 team’s branding has appeared on a wide-body commercial aircraft.
The livery was revealed at Etihad’s engineering facility in Abu Dhabi through what Guinness World Records independently verified as the largest single-piece kabuki reveal on record. The aircraft will operate across Etihad’s global network, flying routes that connect Abu Dhabi with Dublin, Milan, Vienna, Bali, Bangkok and Delhi, among others.
“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,” Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer said in a statement.
“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,” Zak Brown, CEO McLaren Racing added.
The wrapped Dreamliner is the most visible expression yet of a partnership announced earlier this year. Etihad holds Official Partner status with the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren Hypercar Team for the 2026 season and beyond. Etihad’s branding already appears on the MCL40’s rear wing and halo, as well as on driver helmets.
The airline has been title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. Abu Dhabi will host this year’s season finale in December.
