This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
Kenya Airways Marks One Year of Direct Nairobi-New York Flights ¶
Kenya Airways has marked one year since it started flying directly from Nairobi to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. The airline has flown over 105,000 passengers across the new route.
On October 28, 2018, Kenya Airways made history by becoming the first airline in East Africa to fly non-stop to New York. The airline has since executed 594 hauls between the two countries.
Kenya Airways Managing Director and Chief Executive Sebastian Mikosz described the decision to launch flights on this route as "rewarding". He noted that the US and American continent continue to be an essential piece of the airline's network.
"The US and the American continent continue to be an essential piece of the puzzle in our network. There have been challenges in the last year but overall, the decision to launch our flights on this route has been rewarding," said Mikosz.
As part of the celebrations, Kenya Airways has launched a global promotion offering customers a 30% discount on tickets to all destinations across the network.
The airline has been consistent on the route, flying daily during the peak season and five times weekly during low season. Mikosz noted that the airline made the frequency re-adjustments for operational efficiency which saw it achieve an average cabin factor of 75% during the year.
Kenya Airways is strategically positioned on Terminal 4 at JFK, which has been critical to its success as a lone African carrier in that space. The airline's entry on the New York route was aligned with its broader strategy of increasing connectivity for premium travellers in the US and Europe.
During the year, Kenya Airways connected 34 African countries to the US. The top traffic sources from Africa have been Nigeria (16.3%), Uganda (14.7%), South Africa (15%), Tanzania (11.7%), and Congo (8%).
Kenya Airways has transported 530 tonnes of cargo from Kenya and 80 tonnes from other African countries to New York in 11 months. The airline is also working with the Flower Council of Kenya and other regulatory bodies in Kenya and the US to open up the flower business, which has shown huge potential.
At least 944 tonnes of cargo was also ferried from New York to Africa through Kenya Airways flights.
