Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have been engaged in a bidding war for Japan Airlines Corp. That company is one of the most successful in Asia, and easily the most profitable airline in Asia. American Airlines topped Delta Air Lines’ bid with a $1.1 million offer.

American and Delta are openly wrangling over the unprecedented chance to invest in JAL, Asia’s leading carrier by revenue and a former prized national asset. In a country where negotiations are traditionally handled discreetly and behind closed doors, the public mudslinging has transfixed and, at times, befuddled the Japanese. The two US airlines held dueling press conferences Thursday, both loaded with criticism about their rivals’ plans and capabilities.

This represents a foothold in the fastest expanding airline market in the world, an opportunity that both Delta and American are desperate to get a crack at. Japan Airlines has experienced an unprecedented dip in revenues which have forced them to seek investors, even while they’re cutting costs.