EVERETT, Wash.,  Jetstar Airways, the Qantas Group's low-cost brand, takes the delivery today from Boeing (NYSE: BA) of the carrier's first 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which is also the first Dreamliner for Australia.

Alan Joyce, Qantas Group chief executive officer, said: "Today is a historic milestone for the Qantas Group and Jetstar as we welcome the most advanced passenger aircraft ever constructed to the fleet.

"In just 10 short years, Jetstar has grown to be the largest low fares carrier in the Asia Pacific, carrying more than 100 million passengers. The 787 will set up the airline for another decade of growth."

Jetstar's 787 Dreamliner departed Monday morning from Boeing's Everett, Wash. delivery center en route to Melbourne, Australia where the plane will be greeted by airline employees and special guests.

 Ray Conner, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive officer, added "We're proud to deliver the revolutionary 787 Dreamliner to our partners at Jetstar.

"The 787s unmatched fuel efficiency will give Jetstar an advantage in the marketplace and its passengers will travel with the world's most advanced in-flight experience."

Jayne Hrdlicka Jetstar Group chief executive officer, added: "Jetstar customers will have the chance to fly in a larger and more spacious cabin, enjoy gate to gate in-flight entertainment and arrive at their destination more refreshed thanks to a lower cabin altitude to reduce the impact of jet lag," "The entire Jetstar team is very excited to have the 787 take to Australia skies."

The 787 is a visionary design and a revolution in passenger comfort with large, electrically-dimmable windows, larger stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and a smoother ride. The 787 uses 20 percent less fuel use and emits 20 percent fewer emissions than similarly sized airplanes."

Boeing Aerostructures Australia manufactures the movable trailing edge on the wing of every Dreamliner.

Jetstar, plans to introduce the 787 Dreamliner first on domestic routes and then its international network. The airline has a total of 14 787 Dreamliners on order and expects to fly an all-787 long-haul fleet by 2015.