La Tribune newspaper reported on its website that Bregier, who is number two to chief executive Tom Enders, had agreed terms for his departure in February next year, as both executives face pressure over the impact of corruption investigations.

"I am surprised by information reported by the press about my imminent departure," Bregier said in an emailed statement from Asia, where he is visiting customers. "I only have one priority: to meet Airbus targets (including) the delivery of more than 700 aircraft this year."

Enders also earlier played down speculation about his future.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher; Editing by Richard Lough)