In a big first step in their partnership with the Australian Football League (AFL), Virgin Blue has launched an AFL-branded 737 plane.

AFL General Manager of Commercial Operations, Darren Birch, said the AFL-branded plane was a strong visual reminder of the new partnership.

"The fact that the design incorporates all 17 AFL club logos is a great show of support for the game and for the individual clubs. I’m sure the millions of supporters around Australia will get a real kick out of flying on it and seeing it in the skies," Birch said.

The Adelaide Crows were the first AFL players to travel on the aircraft, flying from Adelaide to the Gold Coast yesterday for a pre-season training camp.

"We are thrilled to mark the beginning of our partnership by launching a 737 aircraft that proudly displays the AFL brand and the logos of each AFL club,” said Virgin Blue Group of Airlines commercial group executive Liz Savage.

"This is just one of the many ways that we will support the AFL in our new partnership and we look forward to providing the AFL and the players with great service on our extensive network."

The aircraft will enter the Virgin Blue network today and will carry the airline’s guests, including AFL players and their supporters, around Australia on regular domestic routes.