AIR CHINA, with its ever expanding network, is rapidly becoming a really high profile airline. Following its merger with China Southwest Airlines and Zhejiang Airlines last November, and now officially called ”The Air China Group” the airline has also rapidly set about creating a new image for itself. Out go the old, somewhat Chairman Mao, uniforms and in comes new gear, by top French designer Olivier Lapidus. It looks far better and is much more practical for crew use. Chinese President Jiang Zemin praised the design when Air China stewards wore the new outfits while taking part in a recent State function. In line with the facelift, the Air China Group will use the air carrier code CA for its subordinate airlines. The Air China Group now operates 2,472 weekly flights on 309 routes, double the business of the former Air China. http://www.airchina.com