70,000 flying hours and counting: Affinity Flying Training Services returns to RIAT showcasing its array of aircraft

After reaching 70,000 flying hours, Affinity FTS, a leading UK aircraft supply and servicing provider, will be attending and exhibiting its range of aircraft at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) 2024. RIAT takes place in Fairford, England on the 19th - 21st July 2024.

Affinity will showcase its three aircraft types, the Phenom, Texan and Prefect, highlighting the crucial role its team plays in supporting pilots through the UK military flying training system (MFTS). Throughout the event, the Affinity team will be on hand to detail how Affinity’s platform agnostic approach helps scale-up the services it offers in short timeframes. This has enabled it to deliver impactful results that solidify its position as a dependable and reliable service provider of aircraft maintenance.

RIAT marks an important step in the company’s growth, following a successful year which has seen the aircraft support organisation grow to approximately 200 employees this year. Across the UK, the business operates 42 aircraft and has bases in RAF Valley, RAF Cranwell and RAF Barkston Heath. Affinity has delivered over 70,000 flying hours since 2016 with the 100,000-hour mark fast approaching. As the first step on the Military Flying Training System (MFTS) ladder, Affinity has a burgeoning reputation for on-time delivery in maintaining the planes that train the next generation of military pilots. Affinity was built as an organisation from the bottom up to solely focus on MFTS and its impressive record of delivery further supports its driving mission.

Affinity FTS introduces students to the world of work through the Jon Egging Trust’s Flagship Blue Skies Programme

Leading aircraft service and maintenance provider, Affinity Flying Training Services (Affinity) recently delivered a series of sessions as part of the Jon Egging Trust (JET)’s long running Blue Skies programme. The three-year programme is aimed at young people aged 12 to 16 who are at risk of falling out of education due to lack of confidence and life challenges. Blue Skies is delivered as an alternative to in-school sessions, helping participants develop key workplace skills such as teamwork, leadership and resilience. It holds workplace visits, which offer unique insights into a range of career avenues, not only within the aviation sector, but also in sectors linked to space and entrepreneurship. These visits aim to expose students to new and exciting opportunities in the world of work which they may have not considered or thought out of reach. 

Affinity has supported JET’s Blue Skies programme for several years, during which it has not only hosted Blue Skies sessions but also lent its support for events including graduations and annual dinners. The success of the Blue Skies programme bolsters Affinity’s existing track record as an SME with high levels of engagement with local communities across the UK.

Since the start of the year, Affinity has supported five Blue Skies Level 3 sessions for students across Lincolnshire, giving them an insight into what an aviation organisation does on a daily basis. The Affinity team were on hand to support the employability sessions which highlighted the similarities between work and school, office etiquette, social media tips and tricks, finance, alongside wider practical advice on the world of work. The programme concluded with Affinity’s HR Team alongside other local JET partners holding a series of ‘Sprinterviews’. These Sprinterviews were a new activity introduced this year and allowed students to take part in mock interviews and CV writing workshops to gain greater experience to prepare them after they leave education. 

This year, the Affinity team has supported in-school sessions at Priory Witham Academy and Barnes Wallis Academy in Lincolnshire, and also hosted students during visits to RAF Cranwell, where they were able to see aircraft up close, and watch take off and landings from the flight line. 

Hundreds of local students experience their first taste of the aviation industry showing the sky’s the limit

The innovative aircraft supply and support organisation, Affinity Flying Training Services (Affinity) has teamed up for another year with the Air and Space Institute (ASI) to deliver a series of workshops for young, aspiring aviation enthusiasts. The sessions were tailored to give students support and direction, offering opportunities for young people with interests in aeronautics to speak with experts in the aviation industry and learn about exciting career pathways. 

Affinity, most known for being a trusted provider of aircraft supply and maintenance services for the first stages of the UK Military Flying Training System, has played a vital role to date in encouraging young people to pursue careers in aviation. Operating across the UK from RAF Barkston Heath, RAF Cranwell and RAF Valley, the company makes significant contributions to the UK’s military aviation sector. 

Affinity and ASI launched the series of workshops at the start of the year for students who are currently studying on their L3 pilot and aviation operations and L3 aircraft engineering programmes. The sessions provided invaluable insight for the students, who were able to meet with representatives from Affinity who shared their knowledge and experiences. The workshops experienced high levels of engagement from both the students and industry experts, offering the opportunity for Affinity to contribute to helping develop the next generation of aviation experts.