Delta Air Lines is in talks to acquire a stake in Japan Airlines, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday morning.

The Journal, quoting unnamed sources, described the talks as preliminary. A stake in the airline would help Delta, which has focused on international flights since emerging from bankruptcy in 2008, to build its Japan and Asia/Pacific business, according to the story.

Japan Air Lines, based in Tokyo, provides service to Asia, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and North and South America. It serves numerous airports in the United States, including Cincinnati, with direct and code-sharing flights.

Atlanta-based Delta (NYSE: DAL) operates a hub at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.