Thought Leadership Article - Authored by Alex Davison, Affinity Flying Services Business Director
As Affinity approaches its 10-year milestone in February 2026, it’s more than a celebration of time; it’s a testament to the principles that have guided us from day one. As someone who’s grown alongside Affinity, this milestone feels like a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and how those values have shaped my own personal journey. Our story is one of purpose, resilience, and progress, built on values that have shaped our identity and driven our success.
Our Values: The Foundation of Excellence
From the outset, Affinity committed to doing things the right way: prioritising safety, promoting respect and transparency, and striving for excellence in every interaction. These values aren’t abstract ideals; they’re part of how we work every day. For me, it’s always been about the “how” as much as the “what” because the way we deliver matters just as much as the outcome.
The values underpin our ability to deliver consistently for customers and partners, bridging civil and military sectors with trust and reliability. This culture of integrity and innovation has enabled Affinity to become a trusted partner in UK military flying training, consistently meeting expectations and setting benchmarks for quality and service. Our values have been the compass guiding us through complex programmes, operational challenges, and strategic growth initiatives.
A Journey of Growth: For Business and People
My own journey reflects this ethos of growth. Joining Affinity in 2018 as an HR Business Partner, I saw first hand the organisation’s commitment to developing its people. Today, as Business Services Director, I see that same commitment amplified across every function. Growth at Affinity isn’t just about expanding our fleet or securing new contracts; it’s about creating a workplace where talent is nurtured and ambitions are realised.
Initiatives like the Affinity Academy, an online learning platform, launched recently, exemplifies this. Designed as a central hub for learning, the Academy offers personalised development pathways, technical training courses, and wellbeing resources, ensuring every colleague has the tools to thrive. It’s a clear investment in our people and a signal that continuous learning is part of our DNA.
Our Continuous Improvement Framework, ‘Becoming Our Best’ (BoB), reinforces this mindset. Through structured workstreams like “Getting it Right” and “Ready to Grow,” colleagues are empowered to lead change, innovate, and contribute to strategic transformation. This inclusive approach ensures improvement isn’t a top-down directive but a shared responsibility.
Stories That Inspire
Across Affinity, some of the most inspiring moments come from the journeys of our people, proof of what’s possible when talent is recognised and given space and resources to grow. Over the past decade, we’ve seen technicians become Licensed Aircraft Engineers and Flight Line Mechanics, and Aircraft Handlers progress into Technician roles. These aren’t isolated achievements, but the result of a development pipeline built on trust, opportunity, and belief in potential. Each step forward reflects our values in action and shows how investing in our people strengthens the whole organisation.
There are countless examples of individuals living our values and driving progress. The Affinity Excellence Awards showcase colleagues who go above and beyond, whether by introducing cost-saving initiatives, championing safety, or mentoring peers. Every time I read nominations for the Excellence Awards, I’m reminded of how much collaboration drives success. It’s inspiring and it pushes me to keep raising the bar.
Our commitment to social and environmental value also speaks volumes about who we are. From sustainable procurement practices to community engagement projects, Affinity continues to make a positive impact beyond contractual obligations. This isn’t just good business, it’s the right thing to do, and it reflects our belief in creating a legacy that benefits future generations.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
As we celebrate under the wings of Concorde this February, we do so with pride in what we’ve achieved and optimism for what lies ahead. Our growth strategy for 2024 –2028 is ambitious yet grounded in the same principles that have brought us this far: operational excellence, innovation, and a focus on people. By continuing to invest in talent, embrace digital transformation, and strengthen partnerships, Affinity is ready to lead confidently into its second decade.
Affinity’s success story isn’t just about aircraft or contracts; it’s about values in action. It’s about creating an organisation where excellence is expected, learning is continuous, and people are at the heart of everything we do. As we look ahead, I’m excited to keep championing initiatives that put people first because that’s what makes Affinity special. Here’s to ten more years of growth and shared success.