This new plane celebrates a multi-year deal between the UAE national airline and McLaren Racing. Furthermore, the partnership runs through the 2026 season and beyond. As a result, this special widebody jet brings McLaren’s famous racing look straight from the race track to the runway. Here is everything plane spotters and Formula 1 fans need to know.
Key Highlights: Etihad x McLaren Partnership
- The Aircraft: First, an Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner now wears a custom McLaren Racing paint scheme in papaya orange and black.
- Global Reach: Second, the special 787 jet will fly across Etihad’s growing network of over 100 global cities.
- Motorsport Scope: In addition, Etihad is now an Official Partner of the McLaren Formula 1 Team and the McLaren WEC Hypercar Team.
- On-Track Branding: Finally, Etihad’s logo appears on the McLaren MCL40 race car. Moreover, it sits on the helmets of drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Papaya in the Skies: Inside the McLaren Boeing 787 Dreamliner Livery
For plane spotters around the world, the star of this deal is the McLaren-branded Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The Boeing 787 is the core of Etihad’s long-haul fleet. In fact, pilots and fans love it for its light carbon body, curved wingtips, and fuel-saving engines. Therefore, it is the perfect flying match for a modern Formula 1 car.
The custom paint job blends McLaren’s famous papaya orange and black colors with Etihad’s geometric tail pattern. Consequently, this sleek jet acts as a flying billboard for both brands. Soon, the special Boeing 787 will fly across Etihad’s global routes. For example, fans will spot it at major airports in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.
️ From Race Track to Runway: Full Partnership Details
However, this multi-year deal goes far beyond aircraft paint. By teaming up with McLaren Racing, Etihad Airways has joined two of the world’s biggest racing series. Below is a quick breakdown of the deal:
| Partnership Area | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Livery | First, a custom McLaren-branded Boeing 787 Dreamliner will fly to over 100 cities. |
| Formula 1 Car (MCL40) | Second, Etihad branding appears on the rear wing and halo of the 2026 McLaren F1 car. |
| F1 Drivers | Third, logos sit on the helmets of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Also, Norris stars in Etihad’s Business Class ads. |
| Endurance Racing (WEC) | In addition, Etihad sponsors the McLaren United Autosports WEC Hypercar Team. |
| Fan Perks | Finally, fans get behind-the-scenes videos, digital perks, and special race travel deals. |
Connecting the Global F1 & WEC Calendar
Today, the Formula 1 calendar features 24 races across five continents. Because of this busy schedule, smooth air travel is vital for race teams. Fortunately, Etihad’s home hub at Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi connects key racing cities. For instance, the airline flies directly to F1 host nations like the UAE, Australia, China, Japan, the UK, Spain, Italy, and the US.
Furthermore, leaders from both companies shared their excitement about the deal. Here is what they said during the launch:
“Today, we are thrilled to team up with McLaren Racing. Formula 1 brings fans together from all over the world. Therefore, we are excited to see the Etihad brand on the 2026 McLaren car. In addition, we are proud to unveil a stunning new aircraft livery with McLaren branding. Soon, this plane will fly across our fast-growing network to connect with fans everywhere.”
— Antonoaldo Neves, Group CEO, Etihad Airways
“We now travel to more races around the world than ever before. Because of this, working with a global airline that shares our passion is a natural fit. Moreover, Etihad’s focus on great service matches our own values. As a result, we look forward to working closely together in both Formula 1 and WEC.”
— Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing
Etihad’s Rich Motorsport & Special Livery History
Of course, this new deal with McLaren makes plenty of sense. After all, McLaren has strong Middle Eastern ties through Bahrain’s Mumtalakat and Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings. However, Etihad Airways is certainly no stranger to Formula 1.
In fact, the airline has sponsored the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit since 2009. Over the years, Etihad has painted several famous special liveries. Here are a few fan favorites:
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Boeing 787-9 (A6-BLV): First, this jet is famous for its low flypast over the Yas Marina starting grid at sunset.
- Manchester City FC Boeing 787-9 (A6-BND): Second, this blue livery celebrates the airline’s major soccer partnership.
- Greenliner Boeing 787-10 (A6-BMH): Third, this eco-themed jet tests green flights and fuel savings.
Now, the McLaren Racing Boeing 787 Dreamliner joins this famous fleet. Therefore, plane spotters from London Heathrow (LHR) to Melbourne (MEL) have a brand-new plane to track.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What aircraft has the Etihad Airways and McLaren livery?
Etihad Airways painted the special McLaren Racing livery on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Specifically, it features McLaren’s papaya orange and black colors mixed with Etihad’s tail design.
Which routes will the McLaren-branded Etihad 787 Dreamliner fly?
The McLaren Boeing 787 Dreamliner will fly to over 100 cities on Etihad’s network. For example, it will visit major F1 hubs in the UAE, the UK, Italy, Spain, Japan, China, Australia, and the US.
Where does Etihad branding appear on the McLaren F1 car?
First, Etihad branding sits on the rear wing and halo of the McLaren MCL40 F1 car. Second, it appears on the helmets of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Finally, it features on the McLaren WEC Hypercar.
✈️ Join the Conversation, AvGeeks!
How do you rate the new Etihad McLaren Boeing 787 Dreamliner livery? Will you track it on Flightradar24 at your local airport?
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