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SPICE

SPace Innovative Catering Equipment

SPace Innovative Catering Equipment

SPICE is a new galley concept developed by Airbus that is the result of extensive investigation into the needs and requirements of the airline community. 

The benefits of the SPICE are so significant that Airbus believes the concept has the potential to become the first new industry-wide standard for galleys in over forty years. 

Advantages of the Spice galley standard

Advantages of the Spice galley standard

To save weight, the SPICE concept makes a major innovative step by putting today's standard meal-trays into lightweight boxes, instead of trolleys. Foldable Service Carts are then used to transport the boxes during passenger service. 

The design of the SPICE boxes, galleys and equipment is harmonised to use space in the most efficient and modular way. 

With these changes, SPICE can save 400-600kg of weight and enough space to gain 2-3 economy seats, on a typical widebody aircraft seating 250-300 passengers. What's more, these benefits are available with minimal change to today's ways of serving passengers, and preparing food for loading onto aircraft. 

Beyond economics, SPICE offers other major advantages by solving several key issues which limit today's galley designs. These advantages include: 

  • Equipment to segregate waste for implementing recycling initiatives 
  • Improved workspace for the crew through elimination of lifting heavy boxes 
  • Plug & Play galley equipment to enable airlines to implement route specific menus or adapt on-board catering to changing passenger tastes 
  • A higher volume of galley chilled, with lower chilled temperatures 

Airbus has been working very closely with airlines and airline caterers over the past two years to make SPICE ready for service, and many testing activities are already completed. Airbus plans that SPICE will be available for aircraft deliveries early next decade. 


More detailed information about SPICE, including videos and images, is available at our Cabin Showroom. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions are also available. 

related video

Airbus’ innovative new SPICE galley is highlighted by this video clip, which showcases the system’s multiple advantages for airlines – including hundreds of kilogrammes of weight savings, plug and play reconfiguration, space for additional seating, and better ergonomics for cabin crew.