US does not think its aviation industry needs bailout

WASHINGTON - U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Saturday he does not think the government needs to bail out low-cost airlines that have sought $2.5 billion in government relief because of high jet fuel prices.

"I would say that at this point, I don't think it's necessary. They do have access to cash. If they want to come to the U.S. government, we would be a lender of last resort. If they can find dollars in the private markets -- I think that's better for them," Duffy said at a press conference at Newark airport.

- David Shepardson, Editing by William Maclean/Reuters