Air travel is still criticized for having a large carbon footprint, but Mexico's new airport will help counter the reputation for the industry, even if only minimally, by holding the title of most eco-friendly airport in the world.

Lord Norman Foster, who is credited with revolutionary airport designs such as London Stansted, Hong Kong International Airport and Beijing's new airport, is teaming up with architect Fernando Romero and NACO (Netherlands Airport Consultants) to design the new international airport in Mexico City, The Design Air reported.

It will be one of the world's largest airports, at 555,000 square meters, and will have very few columns to hold up a fretwork of ceiling panels.

"The vast roof enclosure will be bright and airy, incorporating large areas of translucent and opaque panels, daylight reflectors and building-integrated photovoltaic panels," architect Piers Heath told Fast Coexist. "These are all aimed at providing shade and thermal insulation, while also allowing views out and diffusing natural daylight throughout the terminal, thus reducing the need for supplementary lighting."

In addition, there will be a plethora of solar panels to provide energy to the entire airport.

In the press release, The Design Air reported, the plans were summarized to include plans extending out several decades.

"Designed to be the world's most sustainable airport, the compact single terminal uses less materials and energy than a cluster of buildings. The design ensures short walking distances and few level changes, it is easy to navigate, and passengers will not have to use internal trains or underground tunnels -- it is a celebration of space and light. Flexible in operation, its design anticipates the predicted increase in passenger numbers to 2028 and beyond, and its development will be the catalyst for the regeneration of the surrounding area. The airport is planned on a new site with three runways, and an expansion plan up to 2062 with an eventual six runways."

In addition to the thousands of jobs it will provide, the airport is also opening up possibilities for an alternate international hub -- rather than some of the older airports in the U.S.

The airport is set to open in 2018, according to MSN.com