Keilir Atlantic Center of Excellence was founded in the spring of 2007 and the name symbolizes Iceland’s position in the globalized world; with the goals of the institute being to build up knowledge, teaching and research at a university level within the international academic community.
Keilir, Atlantic Center of Excellence is building up an educational community Ásbrú and is a leader in rewriting the possibilities for Icelandic education through innovative approaches in bringing together businesses and academia, knowledge and finance on international base. The purpose of Keilir is to create and disseminate knowledge in an active partnership with domestic and international schools, companies and other economic partners. The school is positioned at the center of a unique technology park located at Ásbrú - the site of the former U.S. Naval Air Station Keflavik. The park brings together an international university level program, leading businesses and start-ups in close vicinity to Keflavik International Airport.
Values that guide Keilir, Atlantic Center of Excellence are: research and development, quality, results, knowledge and profits supported by the local community, Icelandic economy, Icelandic society, owners, students and staff. Keilir’s main international focus in on two schools: School of Energy and technology and an Aviation Academy.
School of Energy and Technology
The school of Energy and Technology at Keilir - Atlantic Center of Excellence is dedicated to excellence in education at the undergraduate level in the fields of energy and related technologies. The school offers two multidisciplinary BSc. programs in co-operation with the University of Iceland -one in energy technology and the other in mechatronics.
The program in energy technology has a strong focus on geothermal energy technology, capitalizing on the extensive expertise of leading Icelandic energy companies in this field.
The program in mechatronics revolves around the integration of mechanical, electronic and software components into efficient modern monitoring, control, and regulation systems.
School places great emphasis on project-based learning and collaboration with both the energy industry and the University of Iceland.
Aviation academy
Keilir is creating an Aviation Academy to the highest educational standard. With great campus facilities in hand, flight students can come and spend the necessary time to complete their studies at Iceland´s largest airport in professional aviation environment.
Keilir’s goal is to create a competitive program on a global scale serving Icelandic and foreign students alike. They operate two new aircraft from Diamond (www.diamond-air.at) and additional three aircraft are joining the fleet in 2009.
Keilir is authorized by the Icelandic Civil Aviation Authorities and Private Pilot ground school started in 2008.
Furthermore to the flight program, cabin attendant training started in 2008 with no less than 40 students on the initial course. Additionally, recent agreements with Icelandair Technical Services have enabled to us to begin aircraft engineer training which are set to begin in the fall of 2009. Finally, groundwork is being laid for collegiate degrees in air traffic control and airline business administration.