Etihad Airways’ McLaren-themed Boeing 787 Dreamliner makes maiden flight
Abu Dhabi, Nov 11 (TNT): Etihad Airways’ new McLaren Racing-themed Boeing 787 Dreamliner made its maiden flight from Abu Dhabi to Madrid on November 10, marking the launch of the specially designed aircraft across the airline’s global network.
The flight, EY103, took off just hours after the aircraft was unveiled at a special event at the Etihad Airways hangar in Abu Dhabi.
The aircraft features McLaren Racing’s distinctive papaya-coloured livery, marking the partnership between the airline and the Formula One racing team, the airlines said in a release.
Etihad said the aircraft was the world’s first wide-body aircraft to feature the livery of a racing team and would carry the McLaren Racing brand to destinations across its international network.
Passengers on the inaugural flight received commemorative Etihad and McLaren Racing cards and branded cookies.
Business Class passengers were also presented with branded caps and signed cards from McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
The launch comes ahead of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix scheduled to be held in December.
As part of the partnership, Etihad has also introduced a limited-edition collection of co-branded loungewear for passengers travelling in Business, First and The Residence cabins on select long-haul flights.
The collection, featuring Etihad and McLaren Racing branding with the team’s signature papaya colour, will initially be available exclusively on the specially liveried aircraft until November 18, before being extended across the airline’s long-haul fleet until after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Business Class passengers will receive crew-neck designs, while those travelling in First Class and The Residence will be offered exclusive zip-neck versions. The loungewear, available in sizes S to XL, can be retained by passengers after their flights.
The special aircraft is part of Etihad’s efforts to extend its association with McLaren Racing beyond motorsport sponsorship to the overall passenger experience.
TNT KM
