Jan. 17, 2000 - Boeing joins the wings to the fuselage of the company's first 737-700C (Convertible) aircraft at its Renton, WA, facility. The U.S. Navy was the kick-off customer for the newest member of the Next-Generation 737 family and purchased the aircraft to begin replacing its fleet of C-9 airlifters. The Navy version, designated C-40A, can be operated in three configurations: an all-passenger (121) configuration; an all-cargo configuration of up to eight pallets; or a combination, or "combi," configuration that will accommodate up to three cargo pallets and 70 passengers. The C-40A fleet takes full advantage of the 737-700 Convertible aircraft's commercial introduction and lifetime support services, providing high reliability and low total-ownership cost.