Boeing’s evergreen 737 program achieved a major milestone on July 16 when the 5,000th example of the 737NG was rolled off the company’s Renton production line.
The aircraft, a C-40A Clipper (737-700C) will be operated as a convertible passenger and cargo transport by the US Navy.
“This milestone is another testament to the popularity of our Next-Generation 737 and represents the confidence our customers have in the work of our team,” Boeing’s vice president and general manager, 737 program Beverly Wyse said in a statement. “The 737 is hugely popular with both our commercial and military customers because of its efficiency and proven reliability.”
Boeing says total orders for the 737NG stand at 6,804, while the third generation 737 MAX which is due to enter service from 2017 has a backlog of 2,109 aircraft. Including the original ‘classic’ 737 line which entered service in the late 1960s and includes the re-engined 737-300/400/500 series and about 100 military derivatives, more than 12,000 737s of all model 737s have been ordered.
