Virgin Blue Group of Airlines launched on Monday an AFL-branded 737 plane to mark the beginning of its official partnership with the Australian Football League (AFL).

The Adelaide Crows were the first AFL players to travel on the aircraft, departing Adelaide this morning for a pre-season training camp on the Gold Coast.

"As the new official airline of the Australian Football League (AFL), 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," Virgin Blue Group Executive Commercial Liz Savage said.

"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."

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," he said.

"This is a great start to the 2011 season and we look forward to a valuable partnership with Virgin Blue that will benefit the players, the clubs and the wider football industry," said Mr Birch.

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.