Speaking in an interview with the Friday edition of French newspaper Le Figaro, Auque said the company aimed to reduce costs at its Ariane aerospace business by 50%, representing total savings of US$300 million to $400 million.
"We have to face up to declining satellite activity and commercial rocket launches.
"Moreover, we have to reduce our costs with better industrial integration and a simplification of our structure if (Ariane) is to survive," he said.
As part of its re-organisation plan, EADS intended to separate its satellite and launcher activities into two distinct entities by the end of this year.
Its Astrium joint venture with BAE Systems of Britain would group together satellite activities and the launcher activities of Astrium and EADS LV, EADS' launcher unit, would form a separate division.
However, he warned that the re-organistion would have an "important social impact". - Sapa-AFP