The plane, part of low cost airline Flybe's fleet, was dedicated to the former Magpies boss in July.

But the company said it believed Keegan had been treated "very badly" by the club over player movements.

The newly-decorated plane will make its first scheduled flight on 14 September.

Flybe's Tyneside-born chief commercial officer Mike Rutter said: "We honoured Kevin because he was a great player and a great manager at Newcastle.

"He has been treated very badly by the club, and like many supporters, we wanted to show our support for him."

The Bombardier Q400 aircraft, which has the registration KKEV, will have a weekend paint job, before going into service between Newcastle and Gatwick.