McLaren's famous papaya colours are heading from the racetrack to the skies after Etihad Airways unveiled a spectacular Formula 1-inspired Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Abu Dhabi.
The UAE's national airline has transformed one of its flagship aircraft into a flying tribute to McLaren Racing, becoming the first airline to feature a Formula 1 team's branding on a wide-body passenger jet.
And this isn't just a one-off showpiece. The aircraft will carry McLaren's distinctive colours around the world, with potential destinations including Dublin, Milan, Vienna, Bali, Bangkok and Delhi.
For F1 fans, it means their next holiday could come with a little extra horsepower. Well, not literally.
A record-breaking reveal in Abu Dhabi
The aircraft was unveiled at Etihad Engineering's facility in Abu Dhabi in suitably dramatic fashion.
The reveal even earned a Guinness World Records title for the largest single-piece kabuki reveal, with an enormous curtain used to unveil the specially designed Dreamliner.
The striking design combines Etihad's identity with McLaren's instantly recognisable papaya branding, bringing together two major names in aviation and motorsport.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, said: "It's fantastic to see our partnership with Etihad Airways brought to life in such a unique way.
"The aircraft livery brings together two iconic global brands and will connect McLaren Racing and Etihad with fans and customers around the world. We look forward to seeing our trademark papaya up in the sky."
McLaren and Etihad strengthen their F1 partnership
The aircraft is the latest development in a partnership announced earlier this year, with Etihad becoming an Official Partner of the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and McLaren Hypercar Team from 2026 onwards.
The relationship is already visible on the track, with Etihad branding appearing on McLaren's MCL40 race cars, including the rear wing and halo, as well as the team's driver helmets.
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the aircraft would take the partnership to fans across the airline's expanding international network.
"Formula 1 has a remarkable ability to connect people and create excitement across borders, and together with McLaren we have an opportunity to bring fans even closer to the action and create memorable moments for them around the world," he said.
Abu Dhabi's F1 connection continues to grow
For Etihad, the McLaren partnership adds another chapter to its long-standing relationship with Formula 1.
The airline has been title sponsor of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009, with Yas Marina Circuit once again preparing to host the season finale this December.
And while McLaren's drivers will be hoping to finish the season on a high, their team's famous papaya colours will now be travelling considerably further than the F1 calendar.
From the starting grid to the departure gate, McLaren is officially taking off.
