[ad_1]
NAIROBI, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) – Kenya Airways performed Sunday night its maiden direct flight between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi and JFK International Airport in New York.
The maiden flight, which left Nairobi at 11:20. with 234 passengers on board, is expected to strengthen US cooperation with the country and the tourism sector in Kenya.
Kenyan officials said the opening of the US destination completed a vital part of Kenya Airways' network, strengthening its position as one of Africa's leading carriers.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, who suspended the plane in Nairobi, said the inaugural flight to New York was a major milestone for Kenya's aviation sector, especially for the many economic opportunities. in the sectors of tourism and trade.
A direct air link with the United States will give Kenya better access to the largest US economy, the largest in the world, as well as to the entire North American region, said Kenyatta in a statement.
JKIA is already one of Africa's busiest air transport hubs, and the launch of direct flights to New York is expected to strengthen its importance and consolidate Nairobi's position as one of the major economic drivers of the economy. Africa, he added.
According to the Kenyan airline, the flight will leave JKIA daily around 23:25. local time, arrival at JFK airport at 6:25 the next day.
From New York, he will leave around 12:25. local time and land at JKIA at 22:55 the next day. Its duration will be 15 hours eastward and 14 hours westbound, he said.
Kenya Airways already serves at least 40 destinations in Africa and also serves Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Kenyatta said the launch of the very long-haul flight is expected to attract more US companies to the Kenyan market, adding to the 40-strong presence in Nairobi as its headquarters in Africa.
The direct flight will also increase tourist traffic in Kenya with the government predicting that it will attract more business tourists and upmarket tourists, he said, noting that direct flights will also open the door. Kenya to the rest of the world.
The Kenyan leader has steered government measures, including infrastructure upgrades and security, to ensure JKIA meets the requirements for direct flights to the United States.
