American Airlines is in talks with aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing Co. to purchase at least 250 aircraft in a deal valued at about $15 billion, The Wall Street Journal said.

The report published Wednesday cites unnamed persons familiar with the matter who say American seeks to replace its entire domestic fleet.

Such a transaction would represent a potential windfall for the rival aircraft makers and a bold step by American Airline parent company AMR Corp. to lift the airline's fortunes.

The Journal report says American worked out a tentative agreement with Airbus several weeks ago without telling Boeing, then approached Boeing and asked it to make a counter offer.

American and Boeing declined to comment. Calls to Airbus were not returned.

American is based in Fort Worth, Texas.