This papaya-colored McLaren Boeing 787 doesn’t fear runway limits!

Here is a McLaren that is rising to new heights. With its wings, engines, and a few extra rows of seats, the latest addition to the papaya family is playing in another league.

Etihad Airways has dressed a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in the colors of the British McLaren F1 team. A nice way to soar above the competition, at least literally.

The aircraft combines McLaren’s iconic orange with a dark mask around the cockpit windows, while retaining Etihad’s branding on the fin. According to the airline, this is the first time a Formula 1 team has been displayed on a large aircraft. Indeed, it’s quite difficult to fit this one into a paddock garage.

Its first departure, however, required no lights out: on November 10, flight EY103 connected Abu Dhabi to Madrid. The aircraft will then carry its racing livery across Etihad’s international network, with destinations including Dublin, Milan, Vienna, Bali, and Bangkok announced. No extra charge for pit stops has been mentioned.

A Collector Boeing

Onboard, passengers of the inaugural flight received commemorative cards and personalized cookies. In business class, the gift also included caps and cards signed by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Limited-edition leisurewear extends the initiative in the premium cabins. We’ll have to wait for the helmet and fireproof suit.

This livery materializes the partnership announced in February between Etihad and McLaren Racing, which encompasses F1 and the Hypercar program. The airline is notably featured on the rear wing and halo of the MCL40.

Even the unveiling set records: the gigantic curtain used in Abu Dhabi received a Guinness certification. Lacking a best lap, McLaren can thus already claim quite the reveal. Now, they just need to find a spot on the grid.

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• 11/11/2026 17:42

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