SLI provides asset finance to e-Smart Group for up to 20 BETA electric aircraft
Partnership represents one of the first asset leasing agreements for BETA’s CTOL and VTOL zero emission aircraft
Washington, D.C. 16 July 2026. e-Smart Group, a global air logistics platform, has signed an agreement with aerospace asset finance specialist, SLI, to lease up to 20 BETA Technologies all-electric aircraft to be deployed in e-Smart’s air cargo operations, initially in Europe. The agreement covers a combination of BETA ALIA CX300 electrically powered conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) aircraft and BETA ALIA A250 electrically powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.
In November 2025, e-Smart signed an order for up to 20 aircraft from BETA. This latest agreement with SLI converts that commitment to an operating lease model, shifting the acquisition from capital to operating expenditure. SLI will be the owner of the aircraft while e-Smart will lease the assets through fixed monthly payments, a non-dilutive, flexible approach to asset finance.
SLI, the aerospace subsidiary of Libra Group, is a provider of flexible asset financing solutions for the aviation and space industries, including advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft. SLI now holds orders for up to 190 electric aircraft and autonomous cargo drones. The company aims to facilitate the widespread adoption of this new technology through the provision of its leasing facilities. The agreement with e-Smart marks one of the first times an operator of BETA’s aircraft has utilized leasing to finance the development of its fleet.
e-Smart specializes in logistics solutions for the e-commerce and other time-critical industries. The group combines digital logistics, product portfolio cargo management, training, best practice advisory and airline services into one integrated platform. The adoption of asset financing through this partnership with SLI is expected to facilitate the global expansion of e-Smart’s fleet of electric aircraft. e-Smart expects AAM aircraft to revolutionize logistics by providing a zero-emission alternative to road and rail transportation.
Praveen Vetrivel, CEO of SLI commented, “We admire e-Smart Group’s vision to deploy next-generation aviation technologies in delivering an efficient and sustainable door-to-door logistics network capable of connecting major logistics hubs and smaller regional centers. All-electric aircraft, such as the BETA ALIA platform, offer an ideal solution, particularly to time-sensitive applications such as e-commerce, medical logistics, and urgent supply chain and maintenance requirements.”
Denis Ilin, CEO of e-Smart added “Agreement with a strong financial partner like SLI Aerospace with its commitment to advanced air mobility is one of the most crucial elements to ensure successful introduction by e-Smart Group of electric aviation to the global air cargo market. Both SLI and e-Smart believe in this new technology and its long-standing future, which should be sustainable both environmentally and financially to become a commercial success.”
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About e-Smart Group
e-Smart Group is a global air logistics platform formed through the alliance of IAS Inter Aviation Services b.v., SASI World inc., and e-Smart Logistics b.v. Built on decades of air cargo and logistics expertise, the Group delivers end-to-end solutions through integrated technology, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence. e-Smart Group is shaping the future of air logistics by advancing speed, transparency, sustainability, and cost efficiency across the supply chain — offering clients a smarter, more connected way to move goods worldwide.
https://www.e-smartlogistics.com/
About SLI
SLI was established by Libra Group in 2023 to address the capital needs of the rapidly growing aerospace industry by providing flexible, innovative asset-financing solutions with an initial focus on satellites, ground stations and frontier aviation assets, such as zero-emission electric aircraft. Leveraging Libra Group’s 50+ years’ experience in pioneering leasing models across aerospace, maritime, and renewable energy, SLI seeks to bridge the gap between capital availability and asset deployment, accelerating the creation of an integrated aerospace economy.
For further information:
Gareth Zundel, SVP Communications, SLI
gareth.zundel@sliaerospace.com
Jonas van Stekelenburg, e-Smart Avia
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