The Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has been granted Category One Status by the US Federal Aviation Administration, allowing for direct flights between Kenya and the US.
This decision follows a series of assessment audits conducted by the US aviation body in Kenya. According to Transport CS James Macharia, "Getting Category One status for us is a major milestone in the growth and development of civil aviation in Kenya, East Africa and rest of Africa."
Implications of Category One Status ¶
Macharia explained that the granting of this status means that airlines from both Kenya and the US can now operate direct flights between the two countries. Currently, airlines from Kenya have to travel through a third country, mainly Europe, before accessing US airspace.
"With Category One, there will be faster movement of goods and people between the two countries, with an eradication of any delay, especially to horticultural produce from Kenya," Macharia said.
Other African countries with Category One status include South Africa, Ethiopia, Cape Verde, and Nigeria.
Technical Compliance and Commercial Arrangements ¶
Although the Category One status has been granted, direct flights will only commence after technical compliance and commercial arrangements are met. The status rating confirms that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority complies with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards.
Airlines such as Kenya Airways and US-based Delta Airlines will now be able to fly directly from Kenya to the US and vice versa, according to the ministry.
Safety Standards and Trade Benefits ¶
To maintain a Category One rating, a country must demonstrate compliance with international safety standards. The United Nations specialized agency for aviation sets these standards.
Kenya has implemented various recommendations by the US government to enhance security, including separating passenger arrival and departure terminals and clearing the flight path.
Freighters expect direct flights between the two countries to boost trade through lower charges. Astral Aviation CEO Sunjeev Gadhia stated, "If the US allows Kenya’s bid to have direct flights, then we will save up to 20 per cent on our cargo operation cost."
Jared Oswago, divisional manager at Siginon Aviation, noted that multiple connections make trips longer and compromise on-time performance, while exposing cargo to mishandling.
The recovered account cited reporting by Nairobi News.
