Kenya has secured a Category 1 rating under the US Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program, which means the East African state complies with international safety standards as laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

A Kenyan Ministry of Transportation press release issued last week states the conferment took place following an audit late last year.

"Kenya Airways (KQ, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta) will immediately apply for approval to codeshare with US airlines while concurrently pursuing approval for direct flights," Reuters quoted Minister James Macharia as telling a news conference.

Kenya Airways' fellow Skyteam member, Delta Air Lines (DL, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson), has already expressed an interest in serving Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta and is considered a strong candidate for the launch of direct US-Kenya flights.

For its part, before it can begin regular service to the United States, Kenya Airways must first apply for and secure a Foreign Air Carrier Permit from the US Department of Transportation (DOT). Thereafter, it must also apply for and secure safety authority (commonly referred to as Part 129 Operations Specifications) from the FAA.