e-Smart Group and SLI Sign Lease Agreement for Up to 20 BETA All-Electric Aircraft

Global air logistics platform e-Smart Group has formally signed an agreement with aerospace asset finance specialist SLI to acquire up to 20 BETA Technologies all-electric aircraft via lease, with initial deployment targeting European air cargo operations. The deal covers two aircraft types: the BETA ALIA CX300 electric conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft, and the BETA ALIA A250 electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

From Purchase Order to Operating Lease

e-Smart had previously placed a purchase order for up to 20 BETA aircraft in November 2025. The new agreement with SLI converts that original purchase commitment into an operating lease structure, shifting capital expenditure to operational expenditure. Under the arrangement, SLI will hold ownership of the aircraft while e-Smart uses the assets under a fixed monthly lease rate — a non-dilutive, flexible approach to asset financing.

SLI is the aerospace subsidiary of Libra Group, providing flexible asset financing solutions for the aviation and space sectors, including advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles. SLI has accumulated orders for up to 190 electric aircraft and autonomous cargo drones, and is committed to accelerating the adoption of next-generation aviation technology through leasing services. This agreement with e-Smart is among the first lease-financed fleet deals for BETA aircraft.

e-Smart Redefining E-Commerce Logistics with AAM

e-Smart Group focuses on logistics solutions for e-commerce and other time-sensitive industries, integrating digital logistics, cargo consolidation management, personnel training, best-practice consulting, and aviation services into a unified platform. Through this asset financing partnership with SLI, e-Smart expects to accelerate the global expansion of its electric aircraft fleet and position zero-emission aviation as a disruptive alternative to existing road and rail freight modes.

Leadership Voices Confidence in Electric Aviation

SLI CEO Praveen Vetrivel stated: "We greatly admire e-Smart Group's vision of leveraging next-generation aviation technology to create an efficient and sustainable door-to-door logistics network connecting major logistics hubs with smaller regional centers. All-electric aircraft such as the BETA ALIA platform are particularly well-suited for time-sensitive applications in e-commerce, medical logistics, and emergency supply chain and maintenance operations."

e-Smart CEO Denis Ilin added: "Partnering with a strong financial partner like SLI Aerospace — one deeply committed to the advanced air mobility sector — is one of the most critical elements in e-Smart Group's mission to successfully introduce electric aviation into the global air freight market. Both SLI and e-Smart believe in the long-term future of this new technology: true commercial success can only be achieved when sustainability is delivered on both environmental and financial terms."

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