During the unveiling of a new terminal to the press, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) managing director Lucy Mbugua said Kenya is on course to reaching ‘world class status and positioning the airport as a preferred hub for Africa.’ KAA reported that more than 50 billion had been spent on the expansion and upgrading of the airport so as to ease congestion at East Africa’s main air travel hub. Meanwhile, US aviation officials are optimistic of establishing a link for direct flights between Kenya and the US in the course of this year. US-based Delta Airlines and Fedex have expressed interest in starting operations to Kenya. However, all Kenyan airports are obligated to attain Category One status before the US government approves the deal. In addition to addressing the issue of insecurity in the country, the government has injected 1.3 billion Kenya shillings in new security equipment to be installed later this year to enhance airport screening. Last year, Kenya received security equipment from the US government. The expansion and modernization of East Africa’s largest airport has resulted in a 200 per cent increase in passengers annually to 7.5 million.
