Dreamliner Is Now 787, China Sale Worth $7.2 Billion, Service Entry To Coincide With Beijing Olympics

The Boeing Company on Friday gave Boeing Commercial Airplanes' newest airplane -- the 7E7 Dreamliner -- an official model designation number of 787. The airplane now will be known as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

"We used 7E7 to highlight the airplane's dramatic efficiency advantages," said Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "All those advantages and more continue with this official model designation for the airplane ."

Since the naming of the initial 707, all Boeing commercial jets have been named in succession based on the 7-7 formula: 717, 727, 737, 747, 757, 767 and 777 up to the latest Boeing commercial jet transport, the 787.

The model designation comes at the same time the company announced orders from the Peoples' Republic of China for 60 of the airplanes. The airplanes would be delivered to six Chinese carriers -- Air China , China Eastern, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Shanghai Airlines and Xiamen Airlines.

"The 787 is the perfect airplane to welcome the world to China during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. It will be the most technologically advanced commercial airplane in the world with more amenities to offer our passengers, and fuel efficiency that is only surpassed by its revenue potential," said Li Hai, president -- China Aviation Supply Company, at a signing ceremony in Washington, D.C., hosted by Assistant Secretary of Commerce, Al Frink. "The 787 is a good reflection of what China offers -- world-class facilities, exemplary service, and unmatched return on investment," Li said.

"The momentum behind the 787 continues to build," said Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We're honored to have these key Chinese airlines choose the 787 and join our launch team. The 787's advantages in efficiency, economics, environmental performance and passenger comfort are perfectly matched for China 's growing, world-class aviation system."

As members of the 787 launch customer team, the six Chinese carriers will be critical partners in developing the 787 family of airplanes.

Tradition at Boeing has been that airplanes in development are given a letter designation and at time of launch are given a number. The 757 started life as the 7N7, for instance. The 767 was the 7X7 and the 777 was the 767-X.

Production of the 787 will begin in 2006. First flight is expected in 2007 with certification, delivery and entry into service in 2008.

FMI: www.boeing.com