Spirit Airlines seeks a Trump administration deal to avoid going bust

A lawyer for Spirit Airlines says the struggling budget carrier is in advanced talks with the U.S. government on a financing deal that would help it emerge from bankruptcy protection.

Creditors have expressed concerns about Spirit’s ongoing viability as the Iran war drives up jet fuel costs.

President Donald Trump stoked speculation of a lifeline this week when he encouraged a buyer to rescue the airline and suggested the federal government could help keep Spirit afloat.

The lawyer for the airline said during a U.S. Bankruptcy Court hearing on Thursday that financing would make another reorganization possible and help Spirit be more competitive.

Some lawmakers have balked at the idea of a bailout.