Etihad unveils McLaren‑branded Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Etihad Airways has introduced a Boeing 787 Dreamliner painted in McLaren Racing’s iconic livery. The unveiling occurred on 10 November at Etihad Engineering’s Abu Dhabi facility, and the aircraft will serve routes such as Dublin, Milan and Bangkok, bringing the partnership to passengers worldwide.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Etihad adds a McLaren‑branded Boeing 787 to its fleet
- Timing
- Unveiling took place on 10 November
- Who is affected
- Passengers on Etihad routes that will use the new aircraft
The details
- Announced by
- Etihad Airways
- Takes effect
- 10 November
Launch event
The new aircraft was revealed on 10 November at Etihad Engineering’s facility in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony included a Guinness World Record for the largest single‑piece kabuki reveal.
- Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the branding’s global reach
- McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown praised the collaboration
Aircraft details
The Dreamliner carries McLaren’s distinctive papaya colour and branding across its fuselage. It marks the first time a Formula 1 team’s livery appears on a wide‑body aircraft.
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner platform
- McLaren Racing’s iconic colour scheme
Operational rollout
Etihad plans to deploy the aircraft across its international network. Initial destinations include Dublin, Milan and Bangkok, allowing the livery to be seen by passengers on those routes.
- Routes announced: Abu Dhabi‑Dublin, Abu Dhabi‑Milan, Abu Dhabi‑Bangkok
- Aircraft will join regular schedule once certified
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers on Etihad flights to Dublin will see the McLaren‑styled aircraft once it enters service
- Passengers on the Abu Dhabi‑Milan route can expect the new livery on future flights
- Bangkok‑bound travelers will experience the McLaren branding when the plane is scheduled
Cost and documents
- No additional fees are associated with the new livery
- Travel documents and visa requirements remain unchanged
What you need to do
- No specific action is needed; bookings continue as usual
- Monitor Etihad’s flight schedule for the introduction of the new aircraft on your route
- Enjoy the visual experience of the McLaren design when it operates
Who this affects
-
Passengers on Etihad flights to Dublin
The new McLaren‑branded Boeing 787 will operate this route
-
Passengers on Etihad flights to Milan
The aircraft is scheduled to serve the Abu Dhabi‑Milan connection
-
Passengers on Etihad flights to Bangkok
The Dreamliner will join the Abu Dhabi‑Bangkok schedule
Frequently asked questions
When did Etihad unveil the McLaren‑branded Boeing 787?
Etihad Airways unveiled the McLaren‑styled Boeing 787 on 10 November at its engineering facility in Abu Dhabi.
Which routes will the McLaren‑liveried aircraft serve?
The new aircraft is slated for Etihad’s international network, initially operating flights to Dublin, Milan and Bangkok from Abu Dhabi.
Is there any extra cost for passengers because of the new livery?
No additional charges are linked to the McLaren branding; ticket prices and fees remain the same as on other Etihad flights.
Do travelers need new documents or visas for the McLaren‑branded plane?
Travel documentation requirements are unchanged; passengers use the same visas and passports required for any Etihad flight.
Will the McLaren livery affect flight schedules or booking options?
The aircraft will be added to existing schedules, so booking options stay consistent; the livery only changes the visual appearance of the plane.
