SUMMARY
- The Boeing 737-600 continues to operate with Air Algérie, Janet, and KF Cargo.
- Air Algérie mainly utilizes this aircraft for various flights, both domestic and international.
- Janet Airlines operates the 737-600 for secretive purposes, focusing on missions for the US Department of the Air Force.
The Boeing 737-600, the shortest Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) family member, has become a rare sight in the skies. Introduced in the late 1990s, this variant was designed for short—to medium-haul flights.
Despite being overshadowed by its more famous siblings, the -700 and -800 models, the 737-600 has found enduring use among a select few operators. Only three carriers continue to fly this aircraft: Air Algérie, Amentum (operating as Janet for the United States Department of the Air Force), and KF Cargo.
Air Algérie
Air Algérie, Algeria’s flag carrier, actively utilizes 5 Boeing 737-600 aircraft bearing the registrations 7T-VJQ, 7T-VJR, 7T-VJS, 7T-VJT, and 7T-VIU in its fleet. The airline operates 55 such aircraft.
Established in 1946 as Compagnie Générale de Transports Aériens (CGTA), Air Algérie has undergone numerous transformations over the years. The airline started as a charter airline connecting Algeria and Europe and has developed over time to mainly provide scheduled services to various European cities.
As of today, Air Algérie flies to 39 cities outside Algeria, covering Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. At home, 32 airports are available for its passengers.
The Boeing 737-600 was introduced to Air Algérie’s fleet in May 2002. It was part of a broader order that included 737-800s, aimed at replacing the aging Boeing 727-200s and 737-200s. In 2002, Air Algérie became the fifth airline worldwide to operate the 737-600, receiving its first unit. According to ch-aviation, all five of Air Algerie’s Boeing 737-600s have an average age of 22 years.
These aircraft often serve domestic flights between Algiers and cities such as Oran and Constantine and international flights to Tunis, Tunisia, and Casablanca, Morocco. In June 2023, the airline placed significant orders with Airbus and Boeing. The Airbus order included five A330-900s and two A350-1000s, while the Boeing deal encompassed eight 737 MAX 9s and two 737BCFs.
Janet
Amentum, operating under the Janet call sign for the United States Department of the Air Force, uses the Boeing 737-600 for a different purpose. Janet flights are known for their secrecy, primarily transporting employees and contractors to and from highly classified locations, including Area 51. The Janet fleet includes five active 737-600s with registrations N273RH, N288DP, N319BD, N365SR, and N859WP.
Janet Airlines, often referred to by its evocative acronyms “Just Another Non-Existent Terminal” or the more official “Joint Air Network for Employee Transportation,” is shrouded in secrecy. Operating out of a secluded terminal at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport, Janet Airlines transports U.S. Defense Department employees, contractors, and military personnel to highly secure, undisclosed locations such as Area 51, the Tonopah Test Range, the Nevada Test and Training Range, and Plant 42 in Palmdale, California.
According to ch-aviation, these aircraft have an average age of 21.5 years, with the oldest being over 22 years old:
- N869HH (22.26 years old)
- N859WP (22.24 years old)
- N365SR (20.71 years old)
- N319BD (22.4 years old)
- N288DP (20.65 years old)
- N273RH (20.82 years old)
These jets, originally operated by Air China, were repurposed for Janet Airlines in 2008. The USAF recently requested information seeking a new contractor to maintain and operate Janet’s fleet, highlighting the ongoing need for these specialized services. The contract stipulates rigorous requirements, including around-the-clock availability and the potential for up to 200 weekly flights, reflecting the airline’s integral role in U.S. military logistics.
KF Cargo
The Boeing 737-600 is used by KF Cargo (a branch of KF Aerospace) as its only airplane for air freight feeder services of Purolator Canada, which serves all over British Columbia. Barry Lapointe founded KF Aerospace in 1970. It was a small aircraft company that had expanded significantly to be a leader in aerospace.
KF Aerospace’s operations span a wide spectrum of aviation services. From long-term cargo charters for couriers and freight companies to forest fire patrols, the company has established itself as a versatile player in aviation.
Headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia, KF Aerospace boasts a highly skilled workforce of 1,200 individuals who possess extensive experience in heavy maintenance and modifications. Its subsidiary carrier, KF Cargo, has two active aircraft, C-GKFP and C-GKFQ, both converted to freighters. According to ch-aviation, the two Boeing 737-600s have an average life of about 18 years.
The aircraft’s ability to operate from smaller airports with shorter runways makes it an excellent choice for reaching destinations larger freighters cannot. In 2023, the airline also received the Boeing Supplier of the Year award.
