The Kenya Airways has announced low uptake on bookings for its inaugural non-stop flight to New York, scheduled for October 28th this year.

According to KQ, Chief executive Sebastian Mikosz, since the airline  kicked off ticket sales for its non-stop Daily Flight to New York in January they have only managed a few sales.

Sebastian Mikosz however expressed optimism saying that considering air passengers usually start booking tickets three months earlier,  August will be the biggest closing window and Kenya Airways is hopeful of increasing ticket sales for the direct flight to US.

“We just have quite (a few) tickets sold, but still the biggest selling window is ahead of us. So we have no reason to be pessimistic, but it is still a challenge,” Mr Mikosz said.

The National airline Kenya Airways (KQ) launched the non-stop flight from Nairobi to New York in January, making history by becoming the first airline to offer a non-stop flight between East Africa and the United States of America.

According to Kenya Airways, the direct flight from JKIA to US will be the fastest connection from East Africa to New York, with 15 hours duration eastbound and 14 hours westbound.

“The ultra-long-haul flight, unique to Kenya Airways network, will require 4 Pilots and 12 Flight attendants as well as 85 tons of fuel each way, making it an exceptional operation,” KQ announced said in previous press release while announcing the launch.