Well, the 717 certainly wasn't a "done deal" on Friday!
I don't buy that rumour for the following reasons:
1)BE are still negotiating with BAe over the RJX order- no decision as of Friday.
2)If BE don't go with the RJX, it is highly likely that whatever deal is done between them and BAe will include the acquisition of some AirBii, as BAe produce bits of it, are part of the consortium, and no doubt they could offset any contractual penalties incurred against orders for the Airbus.
3)Should BE go for the Airbus, for the reasons mentioned above, they are likely to get a very friendly price, I doubt whether Boeing could come close.
4)As far as I know (and I have asked a few people who should know), the 717 is not approved for LCY and is not likely to ever be so approved. There's more to it than just field performance, noise and parking manoueverability are also prime considerations.
More than happy to eat humble pie if necessary, of course...
