US -Kenya pact to Effect KQ’s Operations Past New York

The Kenyan Cabinet is reviewing an agreement between Kenya and the United States (US). The agreement will see Kenya Airways (KQ) assessing US routes and  American Carriers reaching the Kenyan Market.

As per the Transport ministry, the sanctioning of the agreement will enhance trade and commerce, tourism, market access and connectivity, investment interests and mutual cooperation between the two States.

The pact which was signed on February 5, 2020 seeking to revise an earlier agreement inked in Washington DC on June 8, 2008 will witness Kenya expanding it’s route network and gaining a wider reach and thus more convenience to  Kenyan travellers in the region.

According to the Kenyan Parliament, the decision by the Cabinet to amend the air services agreement between Kenya and America, will effect maximum growth for  Kenya.

According to Transport CS James Macharia, the ratification of the agreement will allow the Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) of the US which had expressed interest in starting cargo operations to establish a base in Kenya.

According to the CS, FedEx is seeking to establish an operation base at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Through a memo, Mr Macharia also confirmed that no airline from the US is currently flying into the country.

“It is in the interest of the country to ratify the agreement to allow the airlines to expand their route network and engage in commercial arrangements as well as create job opportunities,” the CS noted

According to the cabinet, the agreement will open expanded operations and markets for Kenya and US air operators, facilitate the movement of goods, passengers and mail, offering more flexibility in meeting demands and customer needs.

Kenya Airways is currently operating scheduled passenger air services between Nairobi and New York.