The aeronautical cluster Air City has signed a strategic agreement with the Kriete Institute of Engineering and Sciences (KEY) to provide scholarships and serve as a training partner for students pursuing higher education in engineering.
The agreement, signed by Roberto Kriete, founder of the Key Institute, and Edwin Escobar, executive director of Aristos Inmobiliaria, marks a significant step in supporting engineering education in El Salvador. Kriete expressed hope that more companies will join the initiative to fund scholarships for aspiring students.
“Education is something that takes time. But honestly, life will go on, no matter what happens. The country will always be here, and we will always need good engineers,” Kriete stated. He emphasized that the institute was designed to meet the growing global demand for highly trained engineers.
Escobar highlighted that the agreement also includes hands-on training opportunities, allowing students to complete internships and apply their knowledge at Air City and its associated companies. The three-year framework agreement is renewable and will initially provide financial aid to students from El Salvador’s western region. Air City’s first scholarship fund contribution exceeds $32,000.
The Key Institute has positioned itself as a top-tier institution, ensuring accessibility to world-class engineering education in El Salvador. This is the second scholarship agreement for the institute, following one announced by President Nayib Bukele during a recent visit to its facilities.
Air City: A Vision for Growth
Air City is one of Aristos’s most ambitious projects, representing a $250 million investment in aeromaintenance, logistics, and e-commerce. Construction is expected to begin in 2025, following over two years of government approvals. Earthworks for the project began on January 2, 2024, and initial infrastructure is now underway.
Juan José Daboub, president of Think Huge, emphasized that both Air City and the Key Institute present significant opportunities for the aeronautical sector. “This represents a significant number of young people who will have access to cutting-edge technology, which attracts foreign investors and boosts economic growth,” he stated.
Daboub further highlighted that investing in human capital strengthens competitiveness, attracts investment, and creates better opportunities not only in El Salvador but also in Guatemala and Honduras.
This partnership marks a milestone in education and economic development, reinforcing El Salvador’s role as a regional hub for innovation and technical excellence.
