But Janice Hayes, a Boeing spokeswoman, said yesterday that it was unclear how many more jobs would be lost.

"These guys exceeded even the emergency dive speed," said Liz Verdier, a Boeing spokeswoman.

A Boeing spokeswoman, Liz Verdier, said, "There are a lot of hurdles."

"Every now and then we hear stories of people doing it, but it's not a very comfortable fit," said Ida M. Hawkins, a Boeing spokeswoman.

"United has been a good customer for a long time," a Boeing spokeswoman, Liz Reese, said.

A Boeing spokeswoman declined to comment on the negotiations.

A Boeing spokeswoman said it was "way too early" to look for a causal link between the two tragedies.

A Boeing spokeswoman said the company did not comment on negotiations.

Deena Weiss, a Boeing spokeswoman, said that would not be a problem.

The book value of the six 717's is $225 million, said Trish York, a Boeing spokeswoman.