Affinity Flying Services (Affinity), a key partner in the UK Military Flying Training System (UK MFTS), has achieved a major aviation milestone, supporting more than 100,000 flying training hours across the UK Military Flying Training System. This landmark accomplishment has been built off the back of thousands more engineering hours spent to support the next generation of military pilots. The achievement coincides with the business celebrating its tenth anniversary and is proof of Affinity’s commitment to safe delivery, operational excellence and the dedication of the people who have helped shape the business since its formation in 2016. Half of the 100,000 figure was achieved in the last 3 years alone.
Affinity plays a vital role in helping shape the future of UK military aviation by supporting the next generation of pilots through training. Together, Affinity has supported the delivery of military flying training across the Beechcraft Texan T-6C, Embraer Phenom 100 and Grob Prefect T1 fleets. The milestone reflects the company’s collective efforts across its Engineering, Operations, Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO), safety and support functions, whose expertise ensures aircraft are available, airworthy and ready to meet the training demand each day.
As a trusted aviation partner Affinity has consistently evolved its capabilities through innovation, continuous improvement and investment in its people, ensuring it remains well positioned to support future defence and aviation requirements.
Since its formation, Affinity has grown rapidly from a team of seven employees into a nationwide organisation of more than 200 people, operating from RAF Cranwell, RAF Barkston Heath and RAF Valley. Throughout that period of accelerated growth, the company has remained focused on delivering safe, reliable and mission-ready aircraft that enable the progression of trainee pilots through the Military Flying Training System.
Commenting on this milestone, Managing Director, Iain Chalmers said, “Reaching 100,000 hours in our tenth year is a phenomenal achievement, and reflects the countless hours of effort across the Affinity Team. Affinity’s success is driven by its people, with each being cognisant of the instrumental role we play to support the delivery of military pilot training within the UK.”
As Affinity enters into its second decade, the business remains committed to supporting military flying training with a people-led culture and overarching commitment to excellence. Enabling the delivery of 100,000 flying training hours is a significant operational achievement and also sets a strong trajectory of growth that Affinity will look to build on going forward.