Japan Airlines Co. Ltd. is considering buying a 25% stake in the struggling Malaysia Airlines Bhd., Reuters reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

The Japanese airline said that it was seeking to boost its partnership with Malaysia Airlines through their joint venture, which was aimed at facilitating flights between Malaysia and Japan. The company said the joint venture could include flights to the U.S. in the future, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Air France-KLM SA is eyeing a 49% stake in Malaysia Airlines, while AirAsia Group Bhd. and PT. Lion Mentari Airlines' Malaysian unit Malindo Air have also made offers, the report's sources added.

The report said the Malaysian government is considering proposals from foreign firms more favorably, but the owner of Malaysia Airlines, the country's wealth fund, prefers AirAsia.