The "other name" for the Dreamliner is the Boeing 787. During its early development phase in the early 2000s, it was also known by the internal codename "7E7" (where the "E" stood for Efficiency). Boeing eventually held a public naming contest, and "Dreamliner" beat out other options like "Global Cruiser" and "Stratoclimber." In 2026, aviation enthusiasts often refer to its specific variants by their "dash" numbers: the 787-8, 787-9, and the largest 787-10. Because of its unique composite fuselage and advanced electrical systems, it is sometimes nicknamed the "Plastic Plane" by industry insiders, though "Dreamliner" remains the official marketing brand used by airlines worldwide to emphasize its passenger-focused features like higher humidity and larger, dimmable windows.