Autonomous Flight Milestone as AIBOT Conducts First eVTOL Test at SBD

AIBOT has taken a major step in autonomous air mobility, successfully testing its eVTOL at the San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) Norton Test Range—advancing regulatory approvals and real-world deployment

By Joe Macey
www.aaminternational.com

AIBOT has achieved a major milestone in autonomous aviation, becoming the first eVTOL and drone manufacturer to successfully conduct a flight test at the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center at San Bernardino International Airport (SBD) under the newly established Norton Test Range.

This flight, conducted in partnership with the FAA’s UAS Test Range—Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI)—represents a crucial step forward in integrating autonomous aircraft into regulated airspace and advancing commercial deployment.

This landmark achievement cements AIBOT’s position at the forefront of next-generation urban air mobility. The successful test validated the performance, safety, and operational feasibility of its aiEVTOL technology in an active airport setting. It also sets the stage for further testing, including Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, which will be critical in refining autonomous flight capabilities and expanding regulatory approvals.

AIBOT’s progress is driven by strong leadership in regulatory and safety initiatives. Sean Cassidy, AIBOT’s head of regulatory and safety—formerly Director of Safety, Flight Operations, & Regulatory Affairs at Amazon Prime Air—has played a pivotal role in guiding the company’s collaboration with the UAS Center at SBD. This partnership underscores AIBOT’s commitment to working closely with regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of autonomous air mobility solutions.

Max Ma, President of AIBOT, said, “This milestone flight of our pre-production aircraft, which is set to launch next year, marks a major achievement for AIBOT and the broader eVTOL industry. It not only demonstrates our ability to integrate autonomous flight technology into operations in and around the airport area while meeting the highest safety and regulatory standards but also represents a crucial step toward AIBOT’s goal of launching commercial eVTOL operations, bringing the vision of advanced air mobility and autonomous aviation closer to reality. This collaboration with UAS Center at SBD and ACUASI accelerates our path to commercialization.”

The Norton Test Range, developed through a collaboration with ACUASI, is a purpose-built facility designed to support the integration of eVTOL and UAS technologies into national airspace. As the first company to conduct large drone and eVTOL operations at SBD, AIBOT has set an important precedent for future applicants.

The successful demonstration highlights not only the viability of AIBOT’s aircraft but also the importance of dedicated test sites for advancing autonomous flight technologies. California’s commitment to emerging aviation innovation is reinforced by the establishment of this range, providing a crucial hub for flight testing in the greater Los Angeles area.

Kimberly Benson, Administrator of the UAS Center at SBD, added, “The UAS Center at SBD has quickly become an essential hub for testing next-generation aviation technologies. AIBOT’s successful test highlights the real-world potential of autonomous eVTOL systems, and we are proud to support their journey toward commercialization.”

With this milestone achieved, AIBOT is now gearing up for the next phase of testing, which will focus on expanding its aircraft’s flight envelope, refining autonomous navigation capabilities, and further validating the safety and efficiency of its aiEVTOL platform. These ongoing trials will generate critical data to support regulatory approvals and move AIBOT closer to commercial deployment. By maintaining close collaboration with SBD and ACUASI, AIBOT is laying the foundation for scalable, autonomous air mobility solutions that have the potential to transform urban transportation.

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Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World!

EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation.

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This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries.

About EVVTOL

• EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs!

• EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology.

• EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain.

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EVHNews

Electric-Hybrid E Automotive, E Aviation, E Marine Technology & Future Innovative Electric-Hybrid VTOL Aerospace Tech News Around The World! EVHNews.com is a dedicated global digital Technology platform for EVVTOL a Global EV / Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation, E-VTOL, E-Marine Future Technology Industry Show & Expo Event Organization where the world biggest EV & E-VTOL brands invest in the future of transportation. EV H News is committed to the Electric Vehicles & EV-Hybrid Automotive, E-Aviation E-VTOL-UAV E-Marine, industry including e-mobility e-semi & e-truck. This digital platform will include reviews and resources from global industry leaders, many with a focus on clean blue technology and alternative fuels where applicable. EVH news platform is for all to have access to the tools and information available for the future for breakthrough e-technology of the e-automotive, e-aviation, e-marine, e-motorcycle e-semi & e-truck e-motorsport industries. About EVVTOL • EVVTOL a new corporation branding itself as the most Influential global future technology show / expo event organization by strategically positioning itself to successfully facilitate EV and VTOL transportation industry clients with their needs! • EVVTOL’s goal is to showcase the EV & VTOL industry and introduce the major EV & VTOL vehicles and component manufactures in the e-tech world by unveiling and displaying cutting-edge EV & E-VTOL technology. • EVVTOL mission is to introduce multiple technology shows & expos including influential high-level EV business summits based on the dual themes of business engagement with key manufacturers working in the EV & E mobility Industry, energy vehicle information technology and charging infrastructure Industry. These events are excellent opportunities to learn about and discuss the latest future transportation technology advancements in EV& VTOL industry, and the battery energy challenges that still remain. (evvtol.org) 877-4EV-VTOL (877-438-8865)

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