Chinese plane makers building low-carbon planes

Airbus's newest model, the A350, is also designed to save fuel made in a joint venture with its Chinese partners.(Photo/cctv.com.cn)

Airbus's newest model, the A350, is also designed to save fuel made in a joint venture with its Chinese partners.

"In the A380, around 20 percent of the total weight of the frame is carbon fibre. In the A350, we have half of it. 50 percent is carbon fiber. That makes a difference. In terms of savings, fuel burn, because it's lighter." Rafael Gonzalez-Ripoll, COO of Airbus China said.

Though China's demand for airplanes will account for 60 percent of the world's total, it's now looking to balance this with saving fuel and the environment.