Kenya Airways (KQ) has finally been cleared to make direct flights to the United States. The move is expected to help the struggling airline grow revenues as well as enable local industries to increase exports to the American market.
Confirming the good news yesterday, Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said there still remained two stages before the first KQ flight from JKIA departs for the US.
“JKIA is yet to be determined as the last point of departure. This will be done in October then after that, it is up to KQ to have specific aircraft in its fleet assessed,” he told Weekend Business. “These aircraft will then be issued with an Air Operation Certificate, which will grant them permission to fly to the US.”
The airline said it expected to meet the conditions set and commence flights in the course of next year.
Kenya’s top exports to the US include edible fruits, macadamia nuts, vegetables, woven apparel, coffee, tea and spices.
Source: standardmedia.co.ke
