Maiden Flight From Kenya to US Lands

The maiden flight from Nairobi to New York has finally landed at John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport 2:12 pm Kenyan time.

The airplane was treated to a water gun salute on the runway.

Transport Cabinet Secretay James Macharia, Kenya's Ambassador to the US Robinson Githae, and UN representative Lazurus Amayo are expected to receive the plane at JFK International Airport.

A ribbon will be cut at the ramp before the guests are ushered to a brief ceremony which will culminate into the cutting of a commemorative cake.

After a toast, Macharia, Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma, Transport Principal Secretary Esther Koimett, and US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec will move to the holding area to await the flagging off of the return flight.

There will also be a cocktail reception for those who have travelled in the inaugural flight from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (New York time).

The Kenya Airways guests will also be treated to a tour of New York City and an afternoon lunch on Tuesday before preparing to leave on Wednesday night.

The 15 -hour flight requires four pilots and 12 flight attendants.

The Boeing 787 is reported to have used 85 tonnes of fuel on the journey.

A direct air link with America has been tipped to give Kenya increased access to the biggest economy in the world.

Watch the video of the water cannon salute below. 

Watch the video of the plane touching down below.

 

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