Passengers riding China Eastern Airlines' expo routes next year can look forward to being served by attractive, professional flight stewardesses.

The country's third-largest carrier and global partner of the Shanghai Expo provided training last month to 100 teams of stewardesses who will work during the six-month expo period next year.

They were instructed on the airline's procedures and etiquette.

The specially formed teams are part of China Eastern Airlines' larger branding strategy, which aims to boost the company's image as it looks ahead to the 2010 event to consolidate its premier airline status.

The airline has also launched a contest in search of expo-themed aircraft designs.

A number of these will be chosen and painted on the aircraft to be used for Shanghai Expo passengers from May to October next year.

The public was invited to vote for their favorite design to earn the chance to win free flights and tickets to the Shanghai Expo. Results will be announced in January.