The World’s Top Secret Airline, Revealed in Photos
If you spend enough time on the internet, you'll come across at least a few conspiracy theories about pretty much anything. From mythical creatures to government secrets so well guarded that even they probably forgot about them. But there's also something that should be a complete secret that isn't so much anymore.
Area 51 was supposed to be the most secret place in the world, but it's now part of pop culture like no other place on Earth. And Janet Airlines used to be a mysterious part of Area 51's history, and it's quickly becoming a tourist attraction for those interested in the shady aspects of the government.
That doesn't mean there aren't any more good conspiracy theories. On the contrary, if a super secret airline only a few should know about stops being a secret, it probably means there is another, even more secret airline doing way more secret stuff. Right?
So, here's the world's top secret airline, revealed in some photos you won't forget.
Janet Boeing 737-600
Janet Airlines, or simply Janet, is the unofficial name of a classified fleet of planes used by the US Department of the Air Force to transport military employees, Department of Defense civilians, and other contractors to secure facilities like the iconic Area 51.
Iconic Planes
The name Janet is an acronym for either “Just Another Non-Existent Terminal” or “Joint Air Network for Employee Transportation.” It's not clear, although the first option is the most widely accepted.
Waiting for Passengers
With a base of operations in Las Vegas, Nevada, the first Janet flights were performed in 1972. They used different models until they settled on the Boeing 737s.
Janet Fleet
The Janet fleet has six Boeing 737s and five Beechcraft B200Cs, a much smaller model. Private independent contractors operate these flights, and there are new solicitations every couple of years.
Destinations
Janet Airlines uses special secret codes for its destinations, although some are already widely known. Some of the most common destinations include Area 51, Tonopah Test Range, and the US Air Force Production Flight Test Installation. The Harry Reid International Airport is Janet's base of operations.
The Look
People can identify Janet aircrafts for their red cheatline along the windows
Taking Off
A recent solicitation stated that they operate up to 190 flights a week.
Tragic Accident
On March 16th, 2004, the pilot on board a Beech 1900C entered cardiac arrest, taking the plane into a dive before crashing into the ground, killing all 5 occupants. They were reportedly conducting a routine support mission.
View from a hotel
The airline isn't exactly secret anymore, and lots of people go near Harry Reid International Airport to take pictures of the fleet.
Harry Reid International Airport
While there's no advertisement, it's not particularly a well-guarded secret either.
Janet Tracking
Some flight tracking apps can even pick up some of the planes, in case you want to know exactly where to look for government and military secrets. This makes you think… is there another Janet, more secret, airline?