In one of its biggest sponsorship agreements to date, Virgin Blue Airlines has announced a three year partnership with the QR Queensland Reds.

It's the first time the airline has entered into rugby union sponsorship and reflects Virgin Blue's evolving sports sponsorship strategy.

The partnership got off to a winning start with the Reds sterling 25-16 season opening win over the Hurricanes at Suncorp Stadium on the weekend.

Virgin Blue Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey said, "This is tremendously exciting for Virgin Blue, we are a proud Queensland based company and we can think of no better way of paying back the community support we have received since our launch by both flying and supporting the home team. It's a win-win arrangement and we look forward to helping the Reds continue their successful start to the new season."

While Virgin Blue sponsorships are generally focused around charity groups, the airline is venturing further into the sports arena, with the QRU agreement complementing the existing NBL sponsorship agreement.

"We are partnering with like-minded organisations that mirror Virgin Blue's own outlook. Like the Reds, Virgin Blue enjoys kicking goals of our own in the corporate sector and we've made a lot of changes to our product. This partnership has the added bonus of providing opportunities to showcase the new Virgin Blue."

QRU Chairman, Peter Lewis said, "We warmly welcome Virgin Blue to the Queensland Rugby family as one of our elite sponsors and we are delighted to have them on board."

QRU Chief Executive, Ken Freer said: "Virgin Blue is a consumer champion airline and one that values competitive spirit, innovation and spunk. It's a brand and attitude that our team, our coaches and our fans relate to."

"Queensland Rugby's 'Red Army' now has the support of a 'Red Air Force'," Mr Freer said.