Kenya Receives Formal Approval To Facilitate Direct Flights To The U.S.A

Nairobi, September 13, 2018... Kenya Airways today received the Last Point of Departure (LPD) confirmation affirming that Jomo Kenyatta International Airport JKIA meets the Transport Security Administration (TSA) security standards.

The US Ambassador, Robert Godec presented this letter to Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO, Sebastian Mikosz at a ceremony held at the Pride Centre,Embakasi.

US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec hands over the Transportation Security Administration last point of departure confirmation letter to Kenya airways CEO Sebastian Mikosz looking on is the cabinet secretary for Transport James Macharia.

“I’m very pleased today to provide U.S. approval for Kenya Airways direct flights between Nairobi and New York. These flights will connect our people. They will make travel easier for tourists, business people, students and everyone. We have worked hard side by side to make this possible.” said Ambassador Godec.

US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec during the press release

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, James Macharia witnessed the handing over of TSA’s Last Point of Departure security standards letter.

This letter enables Kenya Airways to operate direct flights to the United States of America.

“We are indeed delighted that JKIA has been granted the Last Point of Departure status. This will now permit us to fly daily non-stop flights to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) New York as scheduled on October 28, 2018,” Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Sebastian Mikosz said.

Kenya airways CEO Sebastian Mikosz during the press release

He said the decision and confidence bestowed on Kenya by the US departments of transport and security was a major milestone to the growth and development of aviation industry in Kenya and the world.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development James Macharia said: “Kenya Airways flying direct non-stop flights from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the US, marks a major milestone to the aviation industry in Kenya. Going forward, it will make our country an attractive destination and open up fresh opportunities for investment, trade and tourism,” said Macharia.

Cabinet secretary for Transport James Macharia during the press release

On his part, the Chairman of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Isaac Awuondo said “As a result of our LPD status, JKIA will catapult itself as a premier aviation hub not only for the region but also for the continent. This is a major game changer and we expect a major boost to trade and tourism Kenya.”

From this new route, East Africa’s largest economy and the region stand to benefit not only in tourism, but to the overall sustainable development of the continent.

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