Dhaka, Oct. 8 -- The global freighter fleet is finally expanding after years of limited growth, but the recovery comes just as global trade faces mounting challenges.

In early September, the freighter line-up received a boost with the addition of the first Boeing 777 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), after a lengthy wait for US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval, delivered the first two 777-300ERSF aircraft to Michigan for lessor AerCap and launch operator Kalitta Air.

The certification process had been delayed by aerospace supply chain disruptions and Boeing's internal production issues, but large widebody freighter deliveries have picked up pace.

Boeing delivered 20 777-200Fs in ...