Boeing 7E7 Airplane Gets a Name

One of the lighter moments at the 45th Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France: Boeing announced Sunday the name of its newest airplane - the Boeing 7E7. After casting approximately 500,000 votes in more than 160 countries, people from around the world chose "Dreamliner" as the winner.

"The people of the world made a great choice," said Rob Pollack, vice president of Branding for Boeing Commercial Airplanes Marketing. "The name Dreamliner reflects a new airplane that will fulfill the dreams of airlines and passengers with its efficient operations, enhanced cabin environment, and the ability to allow profitable connection to more cities without stopovers.

"The name also demonstrates how the airplane's economics will enable more people around the world to fulfill their dreams of traveling to new places, experiencing new cultures and staying connected to one another."

Among the four possibilities, the three other choices were: eLiner, Global Cruiser and Stratoclimber. Through a joint promotion by Boeing and AOL Time Warner, people voted at www.newairplane.com.

Worldwide Design Help

In addition to naming the airplane, 120,000 people around the world signed up to join the World Design Team - an internet-based global forum to encourage participation and feedback while the airplane is being developed.

"Since we design our airplanes for the people who use them, it's only natural to reach out to get their opinions," Pollack said. "We will gather their ideas through online surveys and provide updates on the progress of the new airplane as the design of the exterior and interior evolves."

FMI: www.boeing.com