US Taps Kirkland & Ellis for Advice on Spirit Airlines Rescue

The US government tapped law firm Kirkland & Ellis to advise on a possible rescue deal for Spirit Aviation Holdings Inc., according to people familiar with the matter.

Kirkland is assisting the government in shaping a potential financing package for the budget airline, which has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy since August, said the people, who asked not to be named because the information is private.

A lawyer for Spirit confirmed the rescue talks at a bankruptcy court hearing in New York on Thursday, saying discussions are at an advanced stage. The proposed package, which hasn’t been finalized, would ...