Affinity Flying Training Services Limited

27/10/2026

Today is National Mentoring Day. 💬

At Affinity, we recognise the value of sharing knowledge and experience in developing our people and strengthening capability across the business.

Whether through mentoring, learning from experienced colleagues or opportunities to work alongside different teams, knowledge-sharing supports professional development while helping to retain and build expertise across our organisation.

National Mentoring Day is also a reminder of the value of taking time to share knowledge, experience and expertise with others.

23/10/2026

🏆 Celebrating our September Excellence Award winners!

Congratulations to Adam and Stuart, who have both been recognised for the positive impact they continue to make across Affinity.

Adam has been recognised for his initiative, flexibility and positive attitude. His willingness to step forward, support colleagues during complex scheduled maintenance tasks, and broaden his operational knowledge has made a valuable contribution to the team, the delivery of our services, and reflects a real commitment to learning and development.

Stuart has been recognised for the commitment and ownership he has demonstrated in improving stock management across our sites. His proactive approach has helped reduce waste, deliver cost savings and improve efficiency, while supporting the smooth running of our maintenance operations.

Both are fantastic examples of our values in action, demonstrating teamwork, continuous improvement and a commitment to delivering on our promises.

👏 Congratulations Adam and Stuart, and very well deserved!

22/10/2026

Stepping up for RAF Association 💙🚶

Throughout October, Affinity colleagues are taking part in RAFA Walks 2026, getting outdoors and taking on walking challenges to raise money for the Royal Air Forces Association.

On Saturday, colleagues completed a 12km walk through the Lincolnshire Wolds, taking on the challenge together while supporting a cause closely connected to our RAF community.

Thanks to everyone who has taken part, donated or helped spread the word, we’ve now raised an amazing £445 and counting!

And the challenge continues, with more of our team getting their walking boots on this week to take on their own RAFA Walk!

There’s still plenty of time left in October to get involved and support our fundraising. If you’d like to help us add to our total, you can donate to our RAFA Walks 2026 fundraiser here: https://www.justgiving.com/team/affinity-rafa-walks-2026?utm_medium=TE&utm_source=CL

A huge thank you to everyone who has supported the challenge so far. 💙

20/10/2026

As part of our continued support for the RAF Association, we were delighted to welcome residents from Wexford House back to Affinity following a successful visit in 2025, with some familiar faces returning alongside residents visiting us for the first time.

The visit gave our guests a behind-the-scenes insight into what goes on at Affinity, meeting colleagues from across the business and learning more about the different areas involved in our operations.

It was also a valuable opportunity to bring together different generations of the RAF community, giving our colleagues the chance to hear about the veterans’ own careers and experiences.

Our support for the RAF Association goes beyond fundraising. Through initiatives including Outreach, fundraising challenges and opportunities to connect with the veteran community, we’re proud to continue supporting RAFA and the people it serves.

Thank you to everyone who helped make another memorable visit possible. ✈️💙

15/10/2026

This week, Affinity Managing Director Iain Chalmers met with John Cooper MP in Parliament to discuss military flying training and the wider challenges and opportunities facing UK Defence.

The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to exchange perspectives on the future of the sector, including how industry can help support evolving requirements.

Iain said:
“I was very grateful for the opportunity to meet with John Cooper MP in London and discuss some of the key considerations for the future, including the importance of a strong British military flying training system and potential alternative financial models to support Defence”

For Affinity, engaging with policymakers and contributing our experience to conversations like these is important as we look at the future of the sector and the evolving needs of military flying training.

14/10/2026

🏆 Congratulations to our August Excellence Award winners, Alan and Zakk!

Both have been recognised for demonstrating exceptional attention to detail, professionalism and a strong commitment to safety.

✈️ Alan, Ground Operations Aircraft Handler, demonstrated excellent vigilance and sound judgement during pre-flight activity, reflecting the consistently high standards he brings to his role.

🔧 Zakk, Flight Line Mechanic, demonstrated an impressive eye for detail during turnaround servicing, coupled with the confidence to speak up and take action when something didn’t look right.

Their actions are great examples of our values in practice and the important part our people play in maintaining high standards across our operations every day.

👏 Congratulations Alan and Zakk on your well-deserved Excellence Awards!

12/10/2026

Supporting the next generation of aviation professionals is really important to us at Affinity, which is why we’re proud to support the The Air League and the opportunities they provide for young people interested in the industry. ✈️

It was a pleasure to welcome Aaron and Zackery to Affinity, where they were able to gain hands-on experience and an insight into aircraft engineering. We wish them both all the best for their future careers in aviation!

What’s it really like to work in aircraft engineering? 🔧

Thanks to our partnership with Affinity Flying Training Services Limited, Air League Engineering Scholars, Aaron Yokathas and Zack Smith gained valuable hands-on experience, working alongside industry professionals and developing the practical skills needed for a future career in aviation.

Read how the placement helped them build confidence, expand their knowledge, and take another step towards their aviation ambitions 👉 https://ow.ly/ogEI50ZUnB5

12/10/2026

🔧 ✈️ Another milestone reached in our aircraft's 3,000-hour service.

With the wings and key components now removed, the team has moved into the inspection phase, carrying out detailed structural checks, non-destructive testing and composite repairs across the aircraft.

Rob, our B1 Licensed Aircraft Engineer, said:

"This stage of the service allows us to inspect areas of the aircraft that aren't normally visible, giving the team the opportunity to thoroughly assess the structure and systems. It's a detailed process, but one that's essential to maintaining the safety, reliability and longevity of the aircraft."

As work continues, we'll be sharing more behind-the-scenes updates from this significant maintenance programme. Follow the journey as we take a closer look at the expertise and attention to detail involved in every stage of the service.

09/10/2026

💚 World Mental Health Day

At Affinity, we believe that supporting mental wellbeing is essential to creating a healthy, positive and high-performing workplace.

Through our network of Mental Health Champions and Mental Health First Aiders, wellbeing training, health and wellbeing resources, and access to professional support services, we are committed to fostering a culture where people feel valued, supported and able to thrive.

As Sheila Weston, Lead Mental Health First Aider, explains:

"As Lead Mental Health First Aider, I'm proud to be part of a network that helps raise awareness, reduce stigma and ensure our colleagues know that support is always available. Looking after our wellbeing isn't something we focus on one day a year, it's about creating an environment where people feel comfortable reaching out for help whenever they need it."

Ahead of World Mental Health Day this Saturday, we're recognising the importance of open conversations, reducing stigma, and ensuring people know where to turn for support when they need it.

07/10/2026

As part of National Cadet Week, we're celebrating the lasting impact cadet organisations can have on young people.

For Wayne, our Business Services Manager at Affinity, that journey began at just 13 years old when he joined the Army Cadets.

What started as a desire to learn more about military life became an experience that helped develop the confidence, resilience and leadership skills he continues to draw upon today.

Across Affinity, we're proud to have colleagues whose experiences as cadets and volunteers have helped shape their personal and professional journeys. Wayne's story is a great example of how the skills developed through cadet organisations can create opportunities, build confidence and leave a lasting impact.

From Army Cadet to military service and now a career supporting the UK's Military Flying Training System, Wayne's journey highlights the important role cadet organisations play in developing the next generation.