European logistics conglomerate e-Smart Group is pushing ahead with plans to launch a dedicated cargo airline that will deploy Beta Technologies Alia CX300 freighters on regional routes from the second half of 2027.

Announcing the development at the Farnborough Airshow on July 21, 2026, the company said the putative carrier, to be known as ClearSky Airlines, intends to use an initial fleet of five of the electric aircraft.

ClearSky will be operated by group subsidiary e-Smart Avia from its home base at Amsterdam Schiphol, the company said, adding that it is currently working on securing an air operator's certificate (AOC) for the start-up through the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA).

According to a press release, the would-be airline will be one of the first carriers to induct electric aircraft into scheduled and charter regional cargo operations in Europe. Services will focus on transporting time-critical shipments of up to 500kg over distances of up to 500km.

The Alia CX300 is a conventional take-off and landing aircraft with a single rear-mounted electric motor in a pusher configuration. It has a maximum range of 622km and can be configured to carry five passengers or the equivalent weight in cargo.

The development comes days after UK regional airline Loganair signed a term sheet to order five CX300s with options for five more, as it looks to renew its fleet serving economically challenging routes in Scotland.