For 45 years, Aitken Spence Cargo has played a pivotal role in shaping Sri Lanka’s freight forwarding landscape. From humble beginnings to a leading logistics partner across the region, the journey has been marked by resilience, innovation, and a forward-thinking mindset. Here’s a look back at the milestones and defining moments across the decades.
1980s – Foundations Through Turbulence
1980 marked the formal registration of Ace Air Cargo, laying the cornerstone of what would become a trusted name in logistics in the region and around the globe. The early years, however, were not without their challenges. During a time of transition in the country and within the organization, several senior figures departed the company. Despite this, a core group of loyal and dedicated professionals remained and steered the company through turbulent times. Their efforts to stabilize and reposition the business quietly laid the groundwork for the company’s long-term success.
1990s – The Apparel Boom
The 1990s ushered in a golden era for Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. As global apparel brands turned to Sri Lanka for manufacturing, Aitken Spence Cargo found itself at the center of a booming export economy. Freight volumes surged, with the company becoming a critical logistics partner for the country’s most important export sector. With telex and fax as the main modes of communication, the decade required extraordinary coordination and operational discipline. Though the work culture was demanding, it also laid the foundation for the company’s strong reputation for reliability and speed.
2000s – Navigating Crisis with Purpose
The early 2000s presented a mix of opportunities and disruptions. The devastating 2004 tsunami called for urgent and large-scale humanitarian logistics. Aitken Spence Cargo rose to the occasion, playing a key role in managing aid distribution across the country. Beyond crisis response, the company continued to grow and invest. Despite the ongoing civil war at the time, the company continued to grow in several aspects.
2010s – Growth in a Rebuilding Nation
With the end of the civil war, Sri Lanka entered a period of national rebuilding and economic revival. Aitken Spence Cargo capitalized on this momentum to expand its operations and solidify its presence in global freight forwarding networks. Capital expenditure increased as the company invested in scalable infrastructure, advanced systems, and global partnerships that elevated service capabilities. These efforts positioned Aitken Spence Cargo as a future-ready enterprise capable of handling growing regional demand.
2020s and Beyond – Digital Shift and Bold Aspirations
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 triggered a paradigm shift in how the world did business. For Aitken Spence Cargo, it marked the beginning of a digital transformation journey. From remote working models to cloud-based cargo management tools, the company rapidly digitized information and digitalised its operational processes to meet the demands of a new normal.
Simultaneously, the economic challenges that followed including inflation, global supply chain disruptions, and local market uncertainty tested the organization’s resilience. Through strategic foresight and an unwavering commitment to its clients, Aitken Spence Cargo emerged stronger.
Today, the company is looking ahead with clarity and purpose. Sustainability is being embedded into every aspect of freight logistics and warehousing. Investments are being channeled into smart freight systems powered by data and automation. And perhaps most importantly, the company is nurturing a people-first culture that champions flexibility, inclusivity, and leadership development.
As Ace Cargo/Aitken Spence Cargo celebrates 45 years of excellence, its vision remains clear: to lead the region in integrated freight solutions while upholding the values that have guided its journey since 1980. Here’s to the decades past, and the decades to come.