GURUGRAM, India: October 12, 2018. SpiceJet cargo subsidiary SpiceXpress is to begin B737-700 freighter service from Delhi to Kabul on October 15 following the signing of an air agreement with the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI).

In collaboration with the ACCI and support from the Afghan government, SpiceJet says it expects to carry up to 1,500 tons a month of perishables, carpets and other export commodities from Kabul to several markets in India.

The move follows the launch of SpiceXpress air cargo services last month linking Delhi, Bengaluru, Guwahati, Hong Kong, Kabul and Amritsar.

This week the airline took delivery of its first B737 MAX aircraft in an order that could eventually total 205 units while reducing fuel costs per airplane by US$1.5 million a year.

"The induction of our first MAX is a huge milestone in SpiceJet's journey,” declared chairman and managing director Ajay Singh. “These new airplanes will enable us to open new routes, while reducing fuel and engineering costs, as well as dramatically reduce noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”

The 737 MAX 8 has the ability to fly up to 3,850 nautical miles or nearly eight hours of flight. The airline says it wants to use the aircraft to serve 150 destinations across India, Asia and to Europe by 2022.