Etihad Airways has unveiled a Boeing 787 Dreamliner painted in the colours of Formula 1 team McLaren Racing, the first time an F1 team's livery has appeared on a wide-body aircraft, according to the airline.

The United Arab Emirates' national carrier said the special aircraft celebrates its partnership with McLaren Racing. The jet carries the team's distinctive papaya orange and will operate across Etihad's global network, taking the McLaren brand to passengers and fans in many cities.

Etihad named Dublin, Milan, Vienna, Bali, Bangkok and Delhi among the destinations the aircraft will connect with Abu Dhabi.

The livery was revealed at the Etihad Engineering facility in Abu Dhabi. The airline said the event set a record for the largest single-piece kabuki reveal, a theatrical drop-cloth unveiling, and that Guinness World Records independently verified it.

Etihad chief executive Antonoaldo Neves said the two brands share a focus on performance and forward momentum. He said the aircraft would carry the partnership from Abu Dhabi to cities around the world and bring fans closer to Formula 1.

McLaren Racing chief executive Zak Brown welcomed seeing the partnership brought to life in such a unique way. He said the team looked forward to seeing its trademark papaya in the sky.

Etihad is an official partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren Hypercar Team for the 2026 season and beyond. The partnership was announced earlier this year.

Etihad's branding also appears on the team's race cars, including the rear wing and halo of the MCL40, as well as on the drivers' helmets.

The airline noted that its network links Abu Dhabi with many of the sport's host countries, including Australia, China, Japan, Singapore, Britain, Spain, Italy and the United States.

Etihad has also been title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. Abu Dhabi will host the season finale in December.

Source: PR