Korean Air Cargo ranked World's Top Commercial Airline Cargo Operation

For the second consecutive year, Korean Air Cargo has been ranked the world's top commercial airline cargo operation by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

During 2005, Korean Air recorded 7.982 billion FTK (Freight Tonne-Kilometres), topping the charts, followed by Lufthansa Cargo. Korean Air attained the top ranking for the first time in 2004 and has consistently been one of the world's top three freight carriers since 1993.

"Our goal has been to claim and retain the top cargo position and we're accomplishing this," said Korean Air Chairman and CEO Yang Ho Cho. "We are entering new markets, creating a customer-oriented business model and establishing strategic partnerships to ensure our success and meet our customers' needs."

Three other Asian airlines filled out the top five cargo spots: Singapore Airlines ranked third, Cathay Pacific ranked fourth, and China Airlines ranked fifth.

Korean Air has been carrying cargo since its establishment in 1969 and has been a leading transporter in the high tech market and specializing in carrying perishables (fruits, vegetables and flowers) and live animals. It is the largest subsidiary of The Hanjin Group, one of the world's leading air, sea and ground transportation conglomerates.

Since it first achieved its goal to be the largest commercial airline cargo carrier in 2004, Korean Air has been continuously expanding and upgrading its services to further strengthen its cargo operations. The network has been expanded to include new destinations such as Guangzhou in China, Chennai in India, and Seattle. Meanwhile, Korean Air has increased its operational efficiency by simplifying its cargo fleet to comprise only B747-freighters.

Korean Air Cargo currently serves 41 destinations in 25 countries worldwide. The airline has a fleet of 117 aircraft including 19 freighters.

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