An apparatus is provided for removing stackable units containing food service items from a container having the form of a typical freight container, on board an aircraft. The apparatus cooperates with means for further transporting and then delivering the stackable units to an aircraft galley, and cooperates with a program controllable unit to allow the programmable handling of the stackable units. Arranged in the container (1) is a plurality of partition walls (10), each having a plurality of shelf ledges (15) to form a plurality of storage compartments (13) on the two opposite sides of an access alley (9). A handling unit (12) including a tower (22) on an undercarriage (12A) rides along rails (11) in the access alley (9). The tower (22) includes a plurality of receiver bins (19), with a motor driven engaging and entraining member (21) respectively arranged in each receiver bin (19). Each member (21) selectively engages respective coupling elements (16) and (17) provided on end faces of the stackable units (14). With this arrangement, the throughput rate of stackable units, such as meal service boxes, can be greatly increased.