Kenya’s maiden US direct flight was treated to a water cannon salute upon landing at the JF Kennedy International Airport.
A ribbon was cut at the ramp before guests were ushered to a brief ceremony which culminated into the cutting of a commemorative cake.
Transport CS James Macharia, Kenya’s Ambassador to the US Amb Robinson Githae, and UN representative Lazurus Amayo received the plane at the JF Kennedy International Airport.
Foreign Affairs CS Monica Juma, US Ambassador Robert Godec, PS Esther Koimett, and Transport CAS Chris Obure were among those on board.
The Grand Arrival of the Historical @KenyaAirways flight no. KQ002 at JFK Airport! #JKIAConnectingTheWorld #KQNBONYC #KQDirectFlight pic.twitter.com/vOfK6g6KyV
— Kenya Airports (@KenyaAirports) October 29, 2018
Others were Kenya Airways chairman Micheal Joseph, CEO Sebastian Mokosz, and CNN journalist Richard Quest.
After a toast, CS Macharia, Monica Juma, PS Koimett, and Ambassador Robert Godec will move to the holding area to await the flagging off of the return flight.
At around 5pm Kenyan time, Kenya Airways will host a Farewell Reception for the return flight, KQ003, which is scheduled to depart JFK at 8pm.
Touch Down @JFKairport. #KQNBONYC # KQDirectFlight pic.twitter.com/LqQxrZrLou
— Kenya Airways (@KenyaAirways) October 29, 2018
Non-traveling US media will be given an opportunity to tour the plane and take photos as guest arrive.
There will also be a cocktail reception for those who have travelled in the inaugural flight from 6pm to 8pm (New York time).
The Kenya Airways guests will also be treated to a tour of New York City and an afternoon lunch on Tuesday before preparing to leave on Wednesday night.
Deputy President William Ruto is expected to receive it on Tuesday at about 10.30am.
The same will be treated to a water cannon salute and musicals from the Kenya Police band.
The first direct flight to the US was flagged off by President Uhuru Kenyatta who termed the moment as historic saying that it will boost trade and tourism.
“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.