CEO Alan Joyce said the new Qantas Socceroos aircraft shows the company's support for the Socceroos in the lead up to the World Cup next year.

"Qantas is the team's number one fan and this new painted aircraft, ‘Qantas Socceroos - We're With You All The Way,' highlights our support as they prepare for South Africa next year," Joyce said.

"This aircraft will be flying across Australia and around the globe, showing the support that Australia has for its football team.

"This Boeing 747-400 will carry the team to the World Cup next year and we will be making sure the team arrive in South Africa rested and ready to take on their opponents."

FFA CEO Ben Buckley, and members of the Qantas Socceroos and Olyroos welcomed the new livery at Melbourne Airport today. Members of the Good Samaritan Roxburgh Park School football team were also at the airport to get close to the action and view the aircraft that will carry their heroes to the World Cup.

"We're very excited and appreciative of Qantas's support for the Socceroos and football in general," said FFA CEO Ben Buckley.

"This aircraft shows that a picture paints a thousand words, and will make sure the Qantas Socceroos and Australian football are noticed around the world.

"I know the players will be very proud to fly to South Africa in it next year. We're also delighted that Qantas has extended their support for football until March 2012."

The Boeing 747 spent a week in the Qantas hangar for the new decal to be applied. The aircraft is scheduled to operate QF63 from Sydney to Johannesburg at 11.00am tomorrow, Friday October 23, 2009.