Get Guardian on GoogleEtihad Airways’ new McLaren Racing-themed Boeing 787 Dreamliner has taken its maiden flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid, hours after its unveiling at a record-breaking event in the UAE capital.
Flight EY103 to Madrid on November 10 marked the start of the aircraft’s journey across Etihad’s global network, taking McLaren Racing’s distinctive papaya identity to destinations around the world.
The aircraft features a special livery that transforms one of Etihad’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners into a flying showcase of its partnership with McLaren Racing, bringing the excitement of motorsport to airline passengers and racing fans worldwide.
Passengers on the inaugural flight received commemorative gifts to mark the occasion. All guests were presented with special Etihad and McLaren Racing cards and branded cookies, while those travelling in Business Class also received branded caps and signed cards from McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The launch comes as Abu Dhabi prepares to host the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the aircraft expected to showcase McLaren Racing’s colours across Etihad’s international routes ahead of the December event.
The partnership extends beyond the aircraft’s distinctive exterior to the onboard experience, with Etihad introducing a limited-edition collection of co-branded loungewear exclusively for passengers travelling in Business, First and The Residence cabins on selected long-haul flights.
The collection will initially be available on the McLaren-liveried aircraft until November 18 before extending across Etihad’s long-haul fleet until after the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.
Combining Etihad’s premium onboard experience with McLaren Racing’s recognisable identity, the collection features different designs for passengers across the airline’s premium cabins.
Business Class passengers will receive crew-neck loungewear, while those travelling in First Class and The Residence will get an exclusive zip-neck version. Both designs feature Etihad and McLaren Racing branding, complemented by detailing in McLaren’s signature papaya colour.
Available in sizes S to XL, the limited-edition outfits are exclusively for Etihad passengers and can be kept as souvenirs of the partnership after their flights.
The McLaren Racing-themed aircraft was unveiled at an event at the Etihad Airways hangar in Abu Dhabi. The airline described it as the world’s first wide-body aircraft to feature the livery of a racing team.
The distinctive design brings McLaren Racing’s identity from the racetrack to the skies, giving motorsport fans an opportunity to experience the partnership as the aircraft operates across Etihad’s global network.
