South Korean carrier to buy 25 Boeing planes

South Korea’s flag carrier Korean Air said it would buy 25 aircraft from Chicago-based Boeing Co. for about $5.5 billion.

Under the deal, Boeing will deliver 15 passenger jets and 10 freighters to Korean Air -- the world’s largest air cargo carrier -- over a 10-year period beginning in 2009, Korean Air said.

Korean Air will buy 10 long-haul 777-300s and five medium-range 737 passenger jets, as well as 10 freighters -- five 747-8Fs and five 777-200s. It also has an option on four 777-300s, two 747-8Fs and two 737s.