Ahead of its planned Nairobi-New York direct flight, Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Sebastian Mikosz yesterday wrapped up his three-day market visit to the United States.

While in the US, Mr Sebastian met with various transport and tourism stakeholders including the New York Tourism Board and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.

The objective of his visit was to engage with Travel Management Companies and Tour Operators to consolidate partnerships to promote the upcoming Kenya Airways non-stop flight to the US.

Kenya Airways will on 28 October this year launch the first ever non-stop flight from Nairobi to New York linking East Africa to North America, opening up wider business opportunities and tourism exchanges between the two regions.

The route will be operated by a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with 234 seats including 30 in Premier World and 204 Economy class. The flights will feature world-class products and services.

The first flight from the US will depart New York JFK Airport on 29th October 2018 at 12:25 hours, arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 10:55 hours the next day.

The return flight will depart Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 23:25 hours, arriving at JFK airport at 06:25 hours the following morning.

The United States has grown into the top source market for tourism in Kenya with over 40 American organizations having their regional headquarters in Nairobi.