Economic pressure on airlines has led Airbus to work with them along with caterers and galley suppliers to develop what it has dubbed space-innovative catering equipment (Spice). The airframer said Spice reduces weight, increases revenue space and improves cabin ergonomics, while also anticipating new food hygiene and recycling requirements.

To save weight, the Spice system puts standard Atlas passenger meal trays into light boxes instead of traditional heavy trolleys, which are replaced by foldable carts for cabin service. Airbus aircraft marketing interiors head Robert Lange said this can save as much as 2,200 pounds on an A380 very-large airliner–potentially equivalent to 10 economy seats.