Virgin Atlantic’s first flight to Kenya arrived in Nairobi on 2 June 2007, welcomed by the Vice President of Kenya. This is the first of the airline’s daily flights to the region, which will bring in a quarter more visitors to the region in the first year of operation, with an estimated economic benefit of $100m over the coming 12 months to the Kenyan economy with an additional impact of up to three times that amount on the broader Kenyan community.

As Kenya is such an important worldwide exporter Virgin Atlantic also aims to carry tens of millions of dollars worth of Kenyan agricultural exports each year.

Sir Richard Branson, President of Virgin Atlantic, commented: “I am really pleased that Virgin Atlantic is now serving Nairobi, the airline’s fourth African destination which is not only an important city in its own right, but also the gateway for the whole of East Africa and the Indian Ocean.”

“Kenya is a wonderful country with much to offer visitors from the busy, vibrant capital city of Nairobi to the wealth of almost unbeatable game reserves and wildlife and world famous beach resorts like Mombasa. I predict that its popularity will continue to grow, aided by Virgin Atlantic’s daily services which offer passengers more flexibility and value for money.”

“Virgin Atlantic is delighted to launch Nairobi as our 28th destination and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Kenyan Government and the Kenyan people for their support. The Kenyan Tourist Board has also played a key role in ensuring it was possible for Virgin Atlantic to begin its direct daily service so we are grateful for all of its help.”

Hon Dr.A.A. Moody Awori EGH, MP, Vice-President of Kenya, welcomed the aircraft and said: “On behalf of the people of Kenya, I am delighted to welcome Virgin Atlantic and Sir Richard Branson. The new service will not only further boost Kenya’s links with the UK, which are already strong, but also contribute to an expanding Kenyan economy through greater visitor numbers. We look forward to many happy years together.”

Mike Higgins, Regional Manager Africa for Virgin Atlantic, commented: “The whole team and I are really proud to see our first flight arrive and we look forward to offering Virgin Atlantic’s world-renowned service to passengers on the London-Nairobi route. Nairobi is a hub for the whole region and so our flight schedule will seamlessly connect with many flights to neighbouring countries like Uganda and Tanzania along with connections to the whole of East Africa. Additionally the flights will link up in London with Virgin Atlantic’s extensive services to ten key US gateways particularly New York and Washington.”