Kenya Airways takes on consulting firm to enable US direct flights

KENYA Airways (KQ) has sought the help of US aviation auditing firm GHS Aviation to win authorisation for direct flights to the United States, according to the airline's head of corporate quality, safety and environment, Alex Avedi.

He said GHS will be able to offer the airline valuable advice on safety and security that is necessary in getting clearance to fly to the US, according to Nairobi's Capital FM radio news.

"The US government has other requirements over and above what you normally expect, especially if you want to go into a co-chair with an American airline you need to be audited. GHS has a lot of experience in that area and knows the requirements to fly to the US," he said.

The US consultancy has chosen Nairobi to establish its first regional office in Africa, and will be the first accredited aviation consulting firm, offering auditing and training in the region. GHS president and CEO George Snyder said the growing demand for the firm's services in Africa drove its decision to have a permanent presence there.

"There are opportunities for improvement within Africa, and while some parts of the world feel that potential for improvement is not very high. We feel differently," he said.

Kenya Airways CEO Titus Naikuni said the move by GHS Aviation would benefit the airline by boosting its profile in safety standards. "GHS and Kenya Airways partnership is set to bring into Africa the much needed professional standards that will be catalyst for safer African skies through tested systems and products that have worked in many parts of the world," he said.