President @UKenyatta is delighted with the commencement of direct flights between Nairobi & New YorK from the 28th of October 2018. We are delighted that we have now a seamless avenues for travellers both on business and leisure to connect between the US and Kenya #PressBriefing pic.twitter.com/DDoULqjXYi
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) October 14, 2018
President Uhuru Kenyatta will commence direct flights between Nairobi and New York from October 2018. According to a press conference released by State House, the president will issue complimentary tickets to two young innovative Kenyans who will join the delegation of those who will fly the inaugural flight.
The first direct flight will depart from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on the 28th of this month after the US government granted JKIA last point of departure status which allows the airport to facilitate direct flights between Kenya and the United States of America.
This move is said to expected to create new opportunities for Kenyans in trade and commerce.
“This is a major achievement for Kenya as JKIA becomes one of the elite African airports to be certified as a Last Point of Departure to the United States. JKIA is now poised to become the premier hub in Africa.” said Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director, Jonny Andersen.
This has come after President Kenyatta and President Trump met at the White House in Washington DC, and held talks to increase trade and investments in Africa. The direct flight is expected to boost tourism and trade for the mutual benefits of the two countries.