If you apply to become a pilot with the Royal Air Force, the first cockpit you are likely to step into is that of the Grob 120TP-A.
In fact, this reflects the wider approach to military flying training in the UK, where junior pilots from the Royal Navy, Army Air Corps and Royal Air Force all undertake a shared Elementary Flying Training phase.
This aircraft, along with the Embraer Phenom 100 and Beechcraft T-6C platforms, is proudly provided and maintained by aviation experts Affinity Flying Services in support of the UK Military’s fixed-wing flying training.
Affinity employs more than 200 personnel, from engineers and technicians to aircraft handlers and backroom support staff, across RAF Barkston Heath and RAF Cranwell, in Lincolnshire, and RAF Valley, in Anglesey, Wales.
Over the past decade, the company has grown from the nucleus of an idea into becoming a trusted supplier to Defence, enabling more than 90,000 training hours in the air thanks to its meticulous work maintaining the fleet of 42 aircraft on the ground.
Cleared for takeoff
When Affinity was awarded the Ministry of Defence’s military flying training systems contract in 2016, the company – a joint venture between established players Elbit Systems and KBR – had only a handful of employees and needed to scale up fast.
During one of the initial periods of ‘ramping up’, to attract the best candidates for its specialist engineering roles, the business turned to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme to help promote its welcoming approach to Armed Forces personnel.
Alex Davison (pictured below, centre), Business Director, said: “It was around 2019 when all of the aircraft had been delivered, and we needed to develop our mechanical and avionics engineering skillset.
“A lot of that came from the Military, where the skills and knowledge already existed, and so the Employer Recognition Scheme was a way of showing off our Forces-friendly credentials and getting our name out there.”
Fast forward to today, and around 25% of Affinity’s workforce have registered as a Service-Leaver, Reservist, Cadet Volunteer, or Military Spouse.
Alex added: “What we have now is a really lovely blend of civilian experience and expertise and military understanding.
“The guys here who are ex-Military really do understand the environment; they understand the situation. They have potentially been aircraft technicians and aircraft mechanics, and have worked with pilots in the RAF on a Squadron. They understand that Squadron mentality. They interact with the Military daily, so there is a synergy, understanding and empathy between the two, despite the fact we’re a civilian contractor on a military site.”
Silver service
As a Defence contractor based at RAF stations, Affinity has military connections at its core – employee number one, Managing Director Iain Chalmers, is a former RAF fast jet pilot.
Alex explained that the goodwill towards the Military has been baked into the organisation’s culture since day one, and that the Employer Recognition Scheme status gave that level of support a formal designation.
After signing the Armed Forces Covenant in 2019, Affinity received the Bronze Award shortly afterwards. And in June this year, the business received the Silver Award.
Alex said: “We are an organisation that is very passionate about its people. We want to retain our people; we care very deeply about them. It’s not a tick box exercise for us. We are always looking at ways to improve our employee engagement.
“The Silver Award recognises that our support for the Armed Forces community is embedded in how we operate as a business, our culture and leadership approach.
“From inclusive recruitment practices to supporting Reservists and Veterans, this achievement demonstrates our commitment in action. We will continue to build on this as part of our wider approach to being a responsible and supportive employer.”
In addition to supporting Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers with their commitments, ensuring fair recruitment practices for Defence personnel, and supporting the Cadet movement, Affinity has established special initiatives that enable staff to support various Military charities and organisations. This includes special tours of their facilities for RAF veterans, all to give back to the community.
Alex added: “Supporting the Armed Forces community is something we see as a long-term commitment. It’s about recognising the skills, experience and dedication Service Personnel, Reservists, and their families bring, and ensuring they feel valued and supported within our organisation.”
