Why are we so excited? We all just gained 12 hours of our life back. Usually, a one-way flight to Nairobi from NYC clocks in at a little over 20 hours. With these new direct routes, however, we can arrive in just about 14 hours—and in extra comfort, too. Kenya Airways’ new Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners are literally a dream. With only 30 passengers in business class, everyone gets a good rest on a full flat bed. The 204 seats in coach are cozy, too.
Flights will depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) at 12:25 p.m. and arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 10:55 a.m. the following morning, allowing plenty of time to connect to more than 40 onward destinations within Africa. Not to mention, the possibility of a quick transfer to Wilson Airport in time for the afternoon flight to the Maasai Mara. Imagine leaving your home on Monday and sleeping in a tent in the heart of the bush on Tuesday.
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The return flight to JFK from JKIA departs at 11:25 p.m. and will arrive at 6:25 a.m. the following day—again, giving you ample time to make onward connections within the USA. Kenya Airways is part of the SkyTeam frequent flyer alliance that also includes Delta, Air France, KLM and Aeromexico, among 15 other airlines. EJ Africa can book your flights directly with Kenya Airways and, in many cases, we will be able to get your domestic connections on the same ticket.
Only time will tell if the delivery is as good as the promise from our point of view, but all indications are that this is going to be a winner! Our co-founder Marcia Gordon met with Kenya Airways CEO, Sebastian Mikosz and Area Manager USA, Robert Mwaura, last month and came away very impressed with the airline’s commitment to serving the U.S. market.