(Reuters) - Boeing Co is in talks to buy 737 fuselage maker Spirit AeroSystems, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday.

Shares of Spirit Aero jumped 16.2% in morning trading, while those of Boeing fell 1%.

Spirit has hired bankers to explore strategic options and has had preliminary discussions with Boeing, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Spirit is also exploring selling operations in Ireland that make parts for Airbus, according to the report.

Boeing declined to comment, while Spirit Aero was not immediately available for comment.

(Reporting by Abhijith Ganapavaram in Bengaluru; Editing by Anil D'Silva)