Aviation enthusiasts and motorsport fans in Perth were treated to a rare sight this week as a specially decorated Qatar Airways Boeing 777 touched down at the airport.
A Flying Tribute to Formula 1
The aircraft, featuring a striking black and burgundy design, arrived in Western Australia's capital on the evening of Tuesday, December 2, 2025. Its appearance was brief, with the plane scheduled to depart again just a few hours later at 10:45pm local time.
This unique livery was the creation of Grammy award-winning American artist Swizz Beatz. The design was only publicly revealed days earlier at the Qatar Grand Prix weekend. As part of the launch festivities, the plane performed a dramatic flypast over the Lusail International Circuit before the Sprint race.
Star-Studded Launch Event
The official unveiling ceremony at the Qatar Airways Hangar was a glamorous affair, attracting a host of international celebrities. Notable attendees included football legend David Beckham, actress Jessica Alba, former footballer Rio Ferdinand, model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, and tennis champion Novak Djokovic.
Comedian Kevin Hart added to the spectacle by playing the role of an F1 driver, performing celebratory 'doughnuts' in a car. The event underscored the airline's commitment to blending high-profile partnerships with its brand identity.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, emphasised the role of creativity in the airline's operations. "At Qatar Airways, creativity fuels everything we do," he stated. "Our partnership with Swizz Beatz reflects that same spirit – a shared belief that creativity has the power to inspire, to unite, and to transform the way the world connects."
More Special Liveries on the Horizon
The airline has confirmed that this is not the end of its special aircraft designs. An additional livery is already in the works to commemorate Qatar Airways' partnership with The FIFA World Cup 2026™, set to be revealed next year.
For Perth-based plane spotters and Formula 1 aficionados, the fleeting visit of the Boeing 777 provided a memorable connection to the global spectacle of motorsport, showcasing how airline branding can become a flying piece of art.
