President Kenyatta flagged off the historic Kenya Airways Direct flight to New York earlier yesterday.
Kenya Airways has officially made the historic maiden non-stop flight from JKIA, Nairobi to JFKIA, New York. This is great achievement in the Kenyan history since it serves as an opportunity for the country to grow the tourism industry as well as boosting investments .
“It is historic for Kenya’s aviation sector to witness the inaugural direct flight between Nairobi and New York finally take off. The direct air link between our country and the US present great opportunities in trade, tourism and people-to-people relations” said President Kenyatta in a tweet
It is historic for Kenya’s aviation sector to witness the inaugural direct flight between Nairobi and New York finally take off. The direct air link between our country and the US present great opportunities in trade, tourism and people-to-people relations #KQNBONYC pic.twitter.com/PfEF35jN4p
— Uhuru Kenyatta (@UKenyatta) October 28, 2018
The Boeing 787 dreamliner with a capacity of 234 passengers took off at 10:25 for a 15-hour direct trip flight landing at the John F. Kennedy International Airport on Monday , 29th October 2018.
Kenya has now joined other Africa countries that make direct flights to US. South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, Ethiopia, Senegal and Morocco.
This flight will offer connections to over 40 African destinations through Nairobi, the Kenya Airways hub.
On board were senior officials led by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma, Kenya Airways chief executive Sebastian Mikosz and chairman Michael Joseph among other passengers.
According to CS Monica Juma, Yesterday’s milestone does not only serve as a history on the aviation industry but also the history of the opening of the Eastern hemisphere.
From the sentiments of Robert F. Godec, U.S Ambassador to Kenya, this flight to New York enhances Nairobi’s position as a convenient gateway to Africa.
“Together through strategic partnerships, we have woven ties with both the Kenyan and USA governments. ” he added.
The KQ direct flight will enable travelers to taste the authentic and diverse experiences Kenya has to offer.
History in the making…#KQNBONYC #LetsGo pic.twitter.com/QokHwqIufh
— Kenya Airways (@KenyaAirways) October 28, 2018