Qantas has advanced the delivery date of the first set of the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliners by a couple of years, indicating the company's confidence in the recovery of air travel demand.

Qantas will now receive the keys for its new 787s by the middle of 2012, the first eight Dreamliners of which will be employed into service by the airline's low cost subsidiary, Jetstar, on international flights.

Qantas canceled plane orders for 15 787s and postponed delivery of the first set of 15 by 48 months in June of the previous year, in the company's attempt to cut expenses amid a bad slump in air travel demand.

However, the major airline has announced today that it had struck a deal with Boeing to bring the delivery of eight Dreamliners by a couple of years ahead.

Qantas's company purchase for a total of 50 Dreamliners still stands.

Alan Joyce, chief executive of Qantas said the 787 Dreamliners were perfect for point-to-point flights on intermediate density routes, and would let Jetstar to make southern European flights in addition to its regular Asian routes.

''It will also be suitable for Qantas services into Asia, and even for high traffic routes on Qantas's domestic network,'' Mr. Joyce announced today.

The arrival of the new Dreamliners within two years means several of the A330s of Jetstar can be relegated to Qantas's line up, letting the old Boeing 767-300s to retire at last.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliners to be acquired by Jetstar will be able to seat 313 passengers in two separate classes. Although Qantas's specific configurations have not been disclosed yet, they are unlikely to be much different from the regulars, because Qantas aims for flexibility so transferring planes between the two airlines will be easier.

Boeing's development of the 787s has been delayed numerous times, because of the precarious fiscal positions of major airlines, and in turn due to the global fiscal crisis.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner will make its international debut at the UK's Farnborough Air Show the following week.

Qantas shares upped to $2.32 by 2 cents in the morning trade.