Etihad Airways Debuts McLaren F1-Inspired Papaya Livery on Boeing 787
The Abu Dhabi carrier unveils a striking orange and black Dreamliner to celebrate partnership.
1New Livery Takes Flight
Etihad Airways has officially introduced a distinctive orange and black livery on its Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner, registered as A6-BMI. This unique paint scheme mirrors the iconic 'papaya' colors associated with the McLaren Racing Formula One team. The aircraft re-entered commercial service on November 10, 2026, following an extensive month-long transformation process.
2Record-Breaking Reveal Event
The unveiling took place at Etihad's engineering facilities in Abu Dhabi during a glamorous ceremony. The event featured a successful Guinness World Record attempt for the largest single-piece kabuki reveal. This marks the first time a widebody commercial jet has prominently featured the branding of a Formula One racing team globally.
3Strategic Partnership Evolution
Etihad Airways became an official partner of McLaren Racing in February 2026, expanding its long-standing involvement in motorsport. Beyond Formula One, the partnership supports the United Autosports WEC Hypercar team. The airline has served as the title sponsor for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009, deepening its ties to racing.
4Design and Brand Synergy
The papaya orange shade has been a signature of McLaren since 2017, notably worn during Lando Norris's 2025 championship-winning season. Etihad executives describe the livery as a way to connect fans and passengers with the racing brand. The design is intended to showcase the shared focus on performance between the two global entities.
5Operational Maintenance Timeline
According to flight tracking data from Flightradar24, the aircraft spent approximately one month on the ground for the repainting process. Its final flight before entering the hangar occurred on October 11, 2026, arriving in Abu Dhabi from Jakarta as flight EY475. The jet has now returned to active duty within the fleet.
6Global Route Deployment
Following the reveal, the Boeing 787-10 is scheduled for a series of international rotations. Its first destination is Madrid Barajas Airport, operating as flight EY103/104 on November 10. Subsequent flights include services to Phuket, Thailand, on November 11, and Dublin, Ireland, on November 12, showcasing the new design to diverse global markets.
7Marketing and Visibility Impact
The McLaren logo is now featured across various team assets, including the MCL40’s rear wing and driver helmets. By applying this branding to a widebody aircraft, Etihad aims to increase visibility across its global network. This move aligns with the airline's strategy to leverage high-profile sports partnerships for enhanced brand recognition.
8Future Brand Trajectory
The collaboration highlights a shift in how airlines utilize their fleets as mobile billboards for luxury and sports partnerships. As Etihad continues to expand its route network, the papaya-colored Dreamliner will serve as a visible symbol of its alliance with McLaren. Observers should monitor how such branding influences passenger engagement and loyalty.