Adelaide Crows players were the first to fly on an AFL-branded 737 to mark the start of Virgin Blue Group of Airlines’ official partnership with the Australian Football League.

The Crows departed Adelaide this morning for a pre-season training camp on the Gold Coast.

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

"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," Mr Birch said.

"Virgin Blue has been working closely with us to ensure that players will be well accommodated and we are very impressed with the way the airline is working its way through each club’s arrangements and their specific requirements.

"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."

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.