NAN-H-48
Flight
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Abuja, Jan. 11, 2018 (NAN) Kenya Airways says it is set to become the first airline to offer a non-stop flight between East Africa and the United States of America beginning from Oct. 28.
A statement by the airline on Thursday, in Nairobi and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said the tickets for the inaugural flight would be on sale for today.
Sebastian Mikosz, Group Managing Director and CEO, Kenya Airways said the airline was already serving Africa, Europe, Middle-East, Indian sub-continent and Asia.
Mikosz added that the opening of the US destination completed an essential piece for its network, thereby cementing its position as one of the leading African carriers.
“This is an exciting moment for us because it fits within our strategy to attract corporate and high-end tourism traffic from the world to Kenya and Africa.
“We are honoured to contribute to the economic growth of Kenya and East Africa.
“With over 40 American multinationals located in Nairobi and many more across Africa, the launch of daily flights is expected to further spur trade between America and Africa.
“Kenya Airways will offer its customers a unique travel experience between two great gateways.
“It will be the fastest connection from East Africa to New York, with a15 hours duration eastbound and 14 hours westbound,’’ he said.
According to Mikosz, the ultra-long-haul flight would require 4 Pilots and 12 Flight attendants as well as 85 tons of fuel each way, making it an exceptional operation.
He said the airline would operate its state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner with a capacity of 234 passengers.
“The flight will depart every day from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport hub in Nairobi at 23:25 arriving at JFK airport in New York at 06:25 the following day.
“From New-York it will depart at 12:25 landing at JKIA at 10:55 the following day and its duration will be 15 hours east bound and 14 hours west bound.
“This convenient schedule will allow connections to and from over 40 African destinations through Kenya Airways hub in Nairobi,’’ he said. (NAN)
OYS/AFA
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Edited by Felix Ajide