San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) has signed an agreement to launch a pilot program to build and test the infrastructure required for advanced air mobility (AAM) in the Bay Area. The airport partnered with Bell-Dancy Industries, an autonomous infrastructure and logistics company, and Signature Aviation, the world’s largest network of private aviation terminals, on the effort.
The program, 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 ramp, 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 (electric vertical takeoff and landing) “air taxi” vehicles. SJC will play a crucial role in leading coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and overseeing all testing operations.
The agreement positions the “Safeland” program for potential inclusion in the FAA’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), the airport said. This proactive approach ensures the program 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.
“We are eager to bring the next generation of aviation to the world in partnership with BDI and Signature,” said Mookie Patel, SJC director of aviation. “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.”
