European aircraft maker Airbus is likely to join hands with a Chinese aircraft company to produce interior decorations for its new A350, according to sources with the Chinese company Wednesday.

Pending an inspection of the company's helicopter production line by Airbus vice president Albert Varenne, Changhe Aircraft Industries Group Ltd. (CHAIGC), based in east China's Jiangxi province, will might become a partner of Airbus.

"Our future plan is in accordance with CHAIGC's development strategy," said Varenne, adding that there exist areas for cooperation other than the interior decoration.

China will buy from Airbus 120 civilian A320 aeroplanes, according to Wang Bin, president of CHAIGC.

Previously, the Chinese company had cooperated with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation, and Italian aircraft corporation Agusta, in S-92 and A109 helicopter programs, respectively, Wang said.

CHAIGC, founded in 1969, is one of the ten largest Chinese automobile industrial enterprises. It is also a research and manufacturing base of helicopters and automobiles.

Airbus, based in Toulouse, is a leading aircraft manufacturer throughout the world. It has three affiliate companies in the United States, Japan and China. Currently it has five providers in China for parts and accessories.

Source: Xinhua