San José Mineta International airport is forging a landmark partnership with Bell-Dancy Industries, an autonomous infrastructure and logistics company, and Signature Aviation, the world's largest network of private aviation terminals. The first-of-its-kind agreement in California will launch a pilot programme to build and test the infrastructure required for advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure in the San Francisco Bay Area.

This pioneering programme, named Safeland, will establish a real-world testing environment at SJC. Bell-Dancy Industries will deploy its groundbreaking autonomous air traffic management system on Signature Aviation's FBO ramp at the airport, creating a digital framework to safely manage air traffic. The pilot will begin with drones to validate the system, paving the way for testing with larger eVTOL air taxi vehicles. SJC will play a crucial role in leading coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and overseeing all testing operations.

This agreement positions the Safeland programme for potential inclusion in the FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP). This proactive approach ensures the programme aligns with the highest federal safety standards from day one, demonstrating a firm commitment from all partners to meet and exceed FAA regulations and preparing for AAM.

“eVTOLs are an exciting innovation in air mobility, and I'm thrilled that Bell-Dancy Industries and Signature Aviation have partnered with San José Mineta International Airport to explore how this technology can serve our community,” says San José city manager Jennifer Maguire.

“Flying cars only existed in science fiction, until the people at the forefront of aviation began building them right in our backyard,” continues San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “San José is staying in lockstep with the entrepreneurs all around us to make sure that the public sector prepares for the future the private sector is shepherding forward. Vertical takeoff and landing vehicles themselves won't change air travel without the proper systems in place that will allow people to safely use them; that's what this pilot programme is all about. We're proud to operate the most reliable airport in the nation, and we plan to keep it that way as the world innovates, creates and reimagines transportation.”

“We are eager to bring the next generation of aviation to the world in partnership with BDI and Signature,” remarks Mookie Patel, director of aviation at San José Mineta International. “As eVTOL technology continues to develop, SJC is committed to thoughtful planning, collaboration and innovation to ensure this new mode of travel integrates safely and efficiently into our region's and the world's transportation network.”

“Air taxis are no longer science fiction; they can create a new wave of transportation and delivery, and we want to ensure the excitement does not miss the most critical piece of the puzzle: how to make this truly safe and accessible at scale,” says Darrell Bell, CEO of Bell-Dancy Industries. “At Bell-Dancy Industries, we build smart critical infrastructure for the highest level of safety and visibility for AAM. Our system is the foundation for a new level of trust in our skies. We are excited to lead this effort with our partners SJC and Signature Aviation to make this a reality. We look forward to showing the world how it works and connecting with those ready to build this future with us.”

“As the world's largest network of private aviation terminals, Signature Aviation is uniquely positioned to support the future of air transportation,” concludes Tony Lefebvre, CEO of Signature Aviation. “This partnership demonstrates how our focus on operational excellence and warm, intuitive guest service extends even into emerging technologies. Together with SJC and Bell-Dancy Industries, we're ensuring that the introduction of eVTOL travel is not only safe and sustainable, but truly elevates every moment for future travellers.”