Thursday saw low-cost carrier Jetstar announce that it would be joining Oneworld alliance in 2011.

The news came as part of ambitious growth plans revealed by the airline’s chief executive, Bruce Buchanan. By becoming part of one of the world’s largest air carrier alliances, Jetstar will soon be playing for the same team as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, British Airways, Iberia and it’s close Australian affiliate, Qantas.

The firm also said that it’s route expansion plans will soon include service from its Asian base in Singapore to European and North American destinations, that is after it takes delivery of several 787 Dreamliner aircraft from Boeing late this year or early next year. Analysts say the move will see Jetstar jump into tight competition with full-service Changi-based carrier Singapore Airlines as well as Kuala Lumpur-based Air Asia X, which it has already begun to battle.

Chief executive of Jetstar Bruce Buchanan said that the company aimed to grow by at least 30% in the region, noting that December saw the commencement of its new long-haul routes. He said that the list of future destinations for long-haul service includes cities in both North America and Europe.

Meanwhile, Boeing announced just days ago that delivery of its 787 Dreamliner model would see another delay following some three years of previous postponements. The firm now says that the innovative carbon-composite aircraft will be delivered in the third-quarter of 2011.