Netherlands-based e-Smart Avia plans to launch an all-electric cargo airline in the third quarter of 2027 that will operate within Europe.
ClearSky Airlines is expected to operate an initial fleet of five 100% electric BETA Technologies ALIA CTOL CX300 aircraft to further the e-Smart Group’s decarbonisation ambitions.
In November last year, the e-Smart Group placed the order for the aircraft, which can each carry shipments up to 500 kgs over distances of up to 500 km on a direct flight.
Additionally, they will produce zero direct CO₂ and NOx emissions and minimum noise, which may allow for night-time operations across Europe, said e-Smart Avia.
From its planned main operational base at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, complemented by additional European operating locations across the network, ClearSky Airlines will initially operate scheduled services for strategic logistics partners alongside premium charter flights for customers in the life sciences, healthcare, aerospace, automotive, high-value goods and other time-critical verticals throughout Europe.
Strategic partnership with several long-haul air carriers to develop regular air feeder services is also under serious consideration, said e-Smart Avia.
Following the recent announcement of a partnership with aerospace leasing specialist SLI, which will provide asset financing for the initial fleet of ClearSky Airlines, e-Smart Avia will now focus on the operational and regulatory foundations required to launch a new airline.
This includes progressing its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) application with the objective of obtaining certification during 2027, securing commercial commitments from launch customers, and building up the ClearSky Airlines management team.
“The launch of ClearSky Airlines is the pivotal moment not just to introduce electric aviation to the commercial market, but also to launch new air products like ‘air-feeder services’, which are too harmful for the environment and too expensive for the customers, if operated with conventionally powered airplanes,” said Stan Wraight, a co-founder of e-Smart Group.
“ClearSky Airlines is the first step in the ambitious plans of the Group to make electric aviation a commercial reality,” added Jacques Heeremans, a co-founder of e-Smart Group and e-Smart Avia.
“Based on the strategic partnership with SLI, e-Smart Avia is aiming to quickly grow its fleet and operations across mainland Europe using its Dutch-registered ClearSky Airlines, and expand beyond to other regions including the UK, Middle East and North-East Asia.”
