Qatar Airwayshas confirmed that it is to introduce Boeing 747-8 freighters to its fleet, after embarking on a recruitment drive for cockpit crew.

The airline states, in an advertisement, that it is hiring freighter captains and first officers for "our Boeing 747-8 fleet".

Qatar Airwayshas not specified how many of the type it plans to take.

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But it says that it is seeking cargo type-rated captains and first officers able to join the airline in 2017-18.

Captains must have at least 6,000h total time including a minimum of 1,000 in command on 747-400s or -8s, it adds.

The airline is already a 747-400F operator, with a single example in its fleet.

Qatar Airwayshas ordered close to 200 aircraft from Boeing, including 16 777 freighters, but the US airframer has yet to list an order for 747-8Fs from the Doha-based carrier.