Order includes firm commitment for five 560kg-capacity ALIA CTOL aircraft with rights for 15 more, targeting service launch in 2027 for express cargo operations
Logistics company e-Smart Group has placed an order for five Beta Technologies all-electric ALIA CTOL aircraft as it targets the e-commerce and life science markets.
The agreement includes a deposit-backed firm order for five of Beta’s 560 kg capacity electric ALIA CTOL aircraft and purchase rights for 15 more.
E-Smart Group plans to use the aircraft to serve express, e-commerce and high-value verticals, such as medical, life science and aircraft on the ground (AOG) spares.
The operations would be focused across the EU, UK and the UAE.
"Introducing cargo operations with electric airplanes is a natural evolution for e-Smart Group, fully aligned with our strategy to meet – and exceed – our clients’ expectations for reliable and fast time-definite air logistics,” said Stan Wraight, president and chief executive of SasiWorld, and one of the founding partners of e-Smart Group.
"The ALIA CTOL aircraft will enable us to deliver low-emission, sustainable, yet cost-effective solutions by leveraging the latest technology in cargo aviation.”
Jacques Heeremans, owner of IAS Inter Aviation Services, and co-founder of e-Smart Group with Wraight and air cargo veteran Denis Ilin, added: “We are already seeing strong interest from express and e-commerce clients eager to integrate the ALIA CTOL into their operations.
"Beyond that, we believe this innovative aircraft will become highly sought after for charter and regular shipments of special cargo – such as life sciences, critical spare parts, high-value goods.”
Beta’s ALIA CTOL is designed for regional transport, with a 560 kg payload and 5.6 cu m cabin interior.
"Its performance and lower operating costs make it highly suited for high-frequency routes connecting major hubs to secondary markets — a key focus for e-Smart Group as it launches service in 2027,” the aircraft developer said.
Other companies that have invested in Beta Technologies aircraft and chargers include Air New Zealand, UPS, United Therapeutics, Bristow, Republic Airways and Ryan Air.
Beta’s ALIA platform is currently undergoing FAA type certification and is engineered for all-weather operations.
