SEKO Logistics aquires cross-border e-commerce specialists, Air-City, Inc.

SEKO Logistics completed its largest-ever acquisition with the purchase of New York-based freight forwarder and cross-border e-commerce experts, Air-City, Inc. The investment represents the latest phase of SEKO’s program to expand its global footprint and establishing more strategic partnerships. The acquisition is made to expedite the growth of its three core services; omnichannel logistics, white-glove services and value-added freight forwarding.

In the past 18 months, SEKO also acquired a majority shareholding in its strategic partner Omni-Channel Logistics Australia to further grow its e-commerce and technology solutions for retailers, pure-play etailers, marketplaces and platforms. Air-City was established in 1984, expanding to 15 offices worldwide, with New York as its head office.

Increasing airfreight volumes

“Air-City will give us immediate depth in the growing westbound airfreight and cross-border e-commerce trade for goods going to China,” said SEKO’s President and CEO, James T. Gagne. “It also gives us strategic airfreight volumes and expertise into China, as the rising demand for US goods increases along with a rising middle class in China. We have also added strength to our American import services as well as created a network of bonded warehouses in the United States. The Air-City team will not only assist our current clients with expanded, faster value-added forwarding and global e-commerce capabilities, they will also support our air product team and help our US and international network of strategic partner locations to grow their business faster.”

The addition of Air-City will also build the capabilities of SEKO’s New York Gateway, which offers support to international shippers, by adding key facility infrastructure in the tight real estate market near JFK international airport. Further expansion of SEKO’s JFK operations will be announced in 2020.

Chris Zheng, Executive Vice President of Air-City, Inc, adds: “This partnership with SEKO will give a transformational boost to our rapidly growing cross-border e-commerce and freight forwarding businesses. Our cultures are so aligned with the speed of e-commerce, growth of cross-border e-commerce expertise, focus on seamless technology and growing freight management capabilities. We are excited about the next phase of growth and the additional benefits we can deliver for our clients in Asia and the United States as part of the SEKO organization.”