An operating apparatus for a cabin system in an aircraft monitors and controls the functions of cabin systems such as information, audio, lighting, door, water and/or wastewater systems. The apparatus includes a main computer processor with an application software adapted to the cabin system, a display screen, an operator interface with a surface-sensitive input device, a controller for the operator interface, a graphics controller, an audio controller, and at least one magnetic coupler for associated interfaces, arranged in a housing. To carry out additional autonomous functions, an additional second computer with a second central processing unit and further electronic assemblies, is integrated into the housing of the operating apparatus with the common display screen and the common surface-sensitive input device so that an operation of the second computer can be carried out via the surface-sensitive input device. The central processing unit of the second computer is autonomously connected to the main computer processor.