Gabe Leigh and Sophia introduce the Etihad McLaren livery reveal in Abu Dhabi. Captain Ahmed Al-Masabi discusses the first flight to Madrid.
What the video covers
Written in our own words. It only describes what the video shows and says.Reveal and partnership
Gabe Leigh and Sophia are in Abu Dhabi for the unveiling of an Etihad Boeing 787-10 wearing a McLaren Racing livery. The video opens at Etihad Engineering, where the aircraft is kept behind a curtain before the event. The aircraft is described as the Papaya Plane, and the reveal is set a few weeks before the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix. Gabe Leigh explains that Etihad announced its partnership with McLaren Racing in February. The partnership covers the Formula One team and the World Endurance Championship hypercar programme. Etihad branding appears on the McLaren Formula One car rear wing and halo and on the driver helmets, while McLaren colours appear on the Dreamliner. The video also states that Etihad has been title sponsor of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since the first race in 2009. The reveal is placed before the 2026 season finale at Yas Marina on December 6th. A daylight sneak peek shows the orange body, the orange elements on the tail, and the black area over the cockpit.
Painting and preparation
The video then turns to the painting process at Etihad Engineering. The aircraft was painted in a hangar, and the livery combines the McLaren papaya colour with the mica effect used in Etihad liveries. The painting process discussion states that the actual painting took about six days, while masking, demasking, preparation and weighing took the overall process to around 21 days. The project took one year and 11 months from the idea from the CEO office to completion. The favourite detail mentioned is the mica effect, which is difficult to see on camera but shows sparkling around the surface. The colour had to be agreed between Etihad and McLaren and approved by Boeing, which added time. To prevent leaks, the aircraft was kept inside the hangar with security and strict processes instead of being covered with paper. The interview also mentions that the livery had not yet been seen in sunlight, because the aircraft stayed inside the hangar.
First flight and arrival
The next part follows the first passenger flight, EY103 from Abu Dhabi to Madrid. Captain Ahmed Al-Masabi introduces himself as an Etihad captain from Abu Dhabi and says he has been flying for 24 years. He says the routing initially goes over the Gulf Sea, then over Saudi Arabia, and then over Europe. The video shows the flight deck for takeoff and landing. He says it feels good to fly the aircraft on its first revenue flight, especially because of the attention it brings. The arrival in Madrid is rainy. The aircraft lands, and the video shows taxiing and parking. After arrival, Gabe Leigh and Sophia reflect on the flight. They mention the business class seats, the invitation to the flight deck, the flag waving, the cookie, the lounge wear, and the black toilet paper. The final part includes thanks to Etihad, the pilots and the cabin crew.
