This is almost unprecedented, the time to return to service. I can only remember the comet being grounded longer but that was basically a full rebuild of the aircraft.. Complete Windows redesign from square to round, not "just" a software tweak. The Max problem really must be significant if it's going to take this long. I'm wondering if airlines will switch to other suppliers, but that would depend on them having capacity to make quick deliveries. Maybe Airbus could ramp up in US and China, or the Chinese could step in to fill the gap?