Irish airline Aer Lingus Group PLC., on Tuesday, feared the market conditions to be challenging in 2010. With full-year revenue expected to be lower than 2009, and "particularly weak" first half, the group is expecting weak revenue.

Economic slowdown has disturbed airlines round the globe. The severe weather conditions in 2010 and economic meltdown have worked together to reduce number of passengers and cargos, whereas the ones still flying are preferably spending less on extra service.

Aer Lingus said, in its economic year 2010-2014, it expects to have gross capital and lease repayment expenditure of around €650 million. The group also said that it expects staff cost savings to be approximately €40 million, with a 2010 exit run rate of around €50 million. It also revealed that it had gross cash and deposits of €825 million at the end of December 2009, down €400 million during the year, and lease debt of €493 million.

Chief Executive, Christoph Mueller said, "A minority shareholding from an alliance partner is restricted by Ryanair. The shareholding works as a poison pill".

Talking about the rumors about the 'company to run out of cash in the near future', he further added, "Aer Lingus has access to about €770m and is slowing its cash burn rate of €400m a year. We will not try to stimulate the market like hell where there is no demand left".