This is the first time the Korean flag carrier has achieved the world's number one position in terms of international scheduled freight tonne-kilometres.

"This achievement is the result of our aggressive strategy to constantly enter new markets, build up our infrastructure and create strategic partnerships to meet our customer's growing needs," said Yang Ho Cho, chairman and CEO of Korean Air.

Korean Air has been ranked among the top three freight carriers since 1993, and has consistently placed among the top five commercial airline cargo carriers in FTKs since 1991. During 2004, the Korean carrier was ahead of the long-time number one carrier since 1986, Lufthansa Cargo.

Three other Asian airlines filled out the top five cargo carriers. Singapore Airlines was ranked third, Cathay Pacific fourth, and China Airlines came in fifth.