Qantas has officially welcomed the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Sydney during its first visit to Australia.

With 50 Dreamliners on firm order, the Qantas Group is one of leading customers for the B787, with the aircraft vital to its continued growth.

Jetstar will receive the first of the group’s B787s in mid-2013, powered by General Electric’s highly fuel-efficient GEnx engines.

The group’s Dreamliner order comprises 15 B787-8s for Jetstar’s international operations, making Jetstar the first low-cost carrier to operate the Dreamliner and allowing the transfer of Airbus A330s to Qantas.

Also on order are 35 B787-9s to support international growth for both Qantas and Jetstar.

Qantas chief executive Officer Alan Joyce said the Dreamliner represented the next generation of aircraft technology.

“The B787 is a game-changer,” he explained.

“It offers greater fuel-efficiency, lower operating costs and a better customer experience than current aircraft of similar size. 

“It has the flexibility to serve both the low-fare and premium markets, across Qantas and Jetstar.”

Jetstar chief executive Bruce Buchanan added the Dreamliner would give Jetstar a competitive edge and help keep fares low. 

“Innovation has been critical to Jetstar’s success and a modern fleet is key to our goal of being the best low-cost carrier in the world. 

“The Dreamliner is a revolutionary aircraft that will deliver a new standard of comfort for our passengers and put downward pressure on the two biggest operational costs for airlines, maintenance and fuel.”

The Qantas group also celebrated Qantas’ 91st birthday today. 

The B787 is on display for Qantas Group employees and special guests at Sydney Airport alongside an historic Boeing 707 in Qantas livery (owned by John Travolta), a Boeing 737-800 with new Boeing Sky Interior and a Boeing 747-400.