Etihad Airways. Photo: kamilpetran / Shutterstock.com Etihad Airways' new McLaren Racing-themed Boeing 787 Dreamliner has completed its first commercial flight, departing Abu Dhabi for Madrid on November 10, just hours after the aircraft was unveiled at a special event in the UAE capital.
Flight EY103 marked the beginning of the aircraft's journey across Etihad's international network, bringing McLaren Racing's distinctive papaya-orange identity to airports around the world.
The aircraft features a special livery celebrating the partnership between the UAE airline and the British motorsport team. Etihad describes it as the world's first racing team livery to appear on a wide-body aircraft, taking McLaren's visual identity beyond the racetrack and into commercial aviation.
Passengers on the inaugural flight received special gifts to mark the occasion. All guests were presented with commemorative 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.
Lando Norris. Photo: Mau Mau ltd / Shutterstock.comThe launch comes ahead of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, with the aircraft expected to bring McLaren's colours to destinations across Etihad's global network.
However, the partnership extends beyond the aircraft's exterior. Etihad has also introduced a limited-edition collection of co-branded loungewear for passengers travelling in Business, First Class and The Residence on selected long-haul flights.
The collection will initially be available exclusively aboard the McLaren-themed aircraft until November 18, before being introduced across Etihad's long-haul fleet until after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Oscar Piastri. Photo: Mau Mau ltd / Shutterstock.comThe designs combine Etihad's premium cabin experience with McLaren Racing's signature papaya colour. Business Class passengers will receive crew-neck loungewear, while First Class and The Residence guests will be offered an exclusive zip-neck version.
Both designs feature the branding of the two partners and are available in sizes S to XL. Passengers can keep the clothing after their flight as a souvenir of the collaboration.
The aircraft was unveiled at Etihad's hangar in Abu Dhabi in a world-record-breaking event, marking a new chapter in the airline's partnership with McLaren Racing.
With the special Dreamliner now in commercial service, the collaboration will have a visible presence across Etihad's international routes in the weeks leading up to one of the biggest events on the Formula 1 calendar.