Etihad Airways paints McLaren F1 livery on a Boeing 787‑10 Dreamliner

Etihad Airways and McLaren Racing have taken their partnership to the skies, unveiling a Boeing 787‑10 Dreamliner wrapped in the team’s 2024 papaya‑and‑black livery. The aircraft, which will operate routes out of Abu Dhabi International Airport, is the first commercial airliner to carry a full‑scale Formula 1 team livery, according to a press release cited by Passionate In Marketing and corroborated by MiGFlug and Hotelier Buzz.

The livery mirrors McLaren’s striking 2024 design – a bright papaya orange base with black accents and the iconic teal‑green McLaren logo – and features Etihad’s stylised ‘Etihad’ word‑mark on the tail fin. The aircraft, registered as a 787‑10, will be used on long‑haul routes to Europe and North America, giving the partnership a global visual platform beyond the paddock.

Etihad’s chief marketing officer, who spoke at the unveiling ceremony in Abu Dhabi, highlighted the synergy between the two brands: “Both Etihad and McLaren are driven by a relentless pursuit of performance and innovation. This aircraft is a flying showcase of that shared ambition.” The move aligns with Etihad’s broader strategy of leveraging high‑visibility sports partnerships to enhance brand awareness, especially in markets where Formula 1 enjoys a passionate following.

For Indian fans, the news arrives just weeks before the Indian Grand Prix weekend at the Buddh International Circuit, where McLaren will be one of the headline teams. The Dreamliner will be visible on flights to and from Delhi and Mumbai, and Etihad has confirmed that the aircraft will be featured in a series of promotional videos that will be streamed on FanCode’s pre‑race coverage. Indian viewers can expect to see the papaya‑coloured jet highlighted during the race weekend’s opening ceremony, with a dedicated segment scheduled for 10:30 IST on the day of qualifying.

Beyond the visual spectacle, the partnership underscores the growing commercial ties between Middle Eastern airlines and Formula 1 teams, a trend that has accelerated since the sport’s expansion into new markets. As the 2024 season progresses, Etihad and McLaren plan to roll out additional co‑branding initiatives, including hospitality suites at race venues and joint fan‑engagement activations across the Gulf and South Asia.

Source: Passionate In Marketing