Canadian entrepreneur John McBride has officially announced the launch of Cielo Norte Aviación (CNA), a new aviation company set to expand internal tourism, executive travel, and specialized air services within El Salvador.
If you’ve been following our coverage, you may remember that we featured McBride months ago regarding an earlier investment in the country.
Since then, his ongoing experience in El Salvador has only deepened his confidence, ultimately motivating him to increase his investment and establish this new aviation firm.
Backed by the Canadian consortium True North Airways, CNA begins operations with an investment exceeding $1.5 million, marking a significant moment for El Salvador’s growing aeronautical sector.
The company will initially operate a Bell 206 helicopter from the Salamanca heliport, offering internal flights for tourism and business.
Expansion Plans Already Underway
According to McBride, CNA’s expansion phase will soon include:
- An executive jet
- Additional aircraft
- Potential regional routes
- Future flights between San Salvador and Toronto
- Medical and emergency air transport
- Rescue operations
- Geophysical survey flights, a service True North Airways already provides in Canada
This range of services positions CNA as a major step forward in El Salvador’s aerospace capabilities.
A Project Built on Trust in El Salvador’s New Environment
McBride emphasized that this project reflects his growing conviction that El Salvador has become one of the most promising environments for innovation and investment in the region.
«To be frank, the only reason we are here is because of the historic economic transformation happening in this country, and also because of the dramatic changes in security, and the economic policies led by President Nayib Bukele.» John McBride
Moving Toward Commercial Operations
CNA is currently completing the final stages of its certification process in coordination with Salvadoran aviation authorities. McBride stressed that the company is working under the highest national and international regulatory standards to ensure safe, reliable, world-class air services.
Once operational, the company aims to generate new technical jobs, provide specialized training, and contribute to El Salvador’s emergence as an important aeronautical hub in Central America.
Notably, McBride also holds the distinction of being the first Canadian to obtain Salvadoran citizenship as a Bitcoin investor, further cementing his long-term commitment to the country.
Source: https://diarioelsalvador.com/empresario-canadiense-anuncia-apertura-de-empresa-de-aviacion/713868/
