The inaugural flight from Khartoum arrived here mid- morning Wednesday to a high-profile reception by Kenyan Airport Authority executives and Kenyan ministers, who hailed the arrival as the first step towards awakening the once sleeping economic giant.

"Sudan's reawakening would benefit all of us in this region. It is like awakening a sleeping economic giant. This is the first step towards easing travel among the business community and promoting trade," said Kenyan Environment Minister Kalonzo Musyoka.

Kenya and Sudan are operating on a recently renewed Bilateral Air Services agreement signed 30 years ago, which guides aviation services cooperation between them.

The agreement has been updated to include full liberalisation of air transport.