30 Apr 25. Affinity Flying Services (Affinity), a leading UK aircraft supply and servicing provider, has announced an exciting strategic partnership with SMS Aero, a leading aviation training provider. This collaboration will significantly enhance Affinity’s ability to offer exceptional, tailored training solutions in areas such as Safety Management, Human Factors in Maintenance, Regulatory Compliance, Airworthiness, Event Investigation, and Training Support. In an ever-evolving aviation industry, regulatory landscapes and operational challenges are increasingly complex. This partnership brings together subject matter experts and seasoned practitioners, committed to sharing their extensive knowledge and experience. By merging Affinity’s expertise with SMS Aero’s innovative methodologies, we’re able to offer engaging, bespoke training solutions tailored to our clients’ unique needs.
“At SMS Aero, our mission is to ensure aviation professionals receive training that not only meets current regulations but also directly applies to their everyday operations,” said Ian Chapman, founding Partner at SMS Aero. “Partnering with Affinity enhances our training programmes, making them immersive, relevant, and highly effective in addressing the dynamic challenges of the aviation sector”.
Training in a complex regulated environment requires a blend of compliance, practical application, working knowledge and engagement. SMS Aero and Affinity are committed to leveraging real-world case studies, interactive learning techniques, and hands-on experience, transforming training into a valuable investment in operational excellence and safety. This partnership highlights a shared dedication to innovation in aviation training, ensuring industry professionals have access to the highest standards of education and expertise. Together, SMS Aero and Affinity will continue to develop cutting-edge, personalised training solutions that align with industry needs and regulatory demands.
“At Affinity, we are excited about this partnership as it represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide world-class aviation services. By combining our expertise with SMS Aero’s specialised capabilities, we can ensure that aviation professionals receive the highest quality training. Our growing capabilities and commitment to providing cutting-edge training services to both domestic and international clients will enhance safety and operational effectiveness,” said Iain Chalmers, Managing Director, Affinity.
29 Apr 25. UK Carrier Strike Group heads for the Mediterranean. Royal Navy flagship HMS Prince of Wales is leading warships, aircraft and a submarine of the UK Carrier Strike Group into the Mediterranean ahead major allied exercises. Approaching the Strait of Gibraltar, the aircraft carrier formed up alongside the majority of her strike group, including an Astute-class submarine, Type 45 destroyer HMS Dauntless, Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond, RFA Tideforce and RFA Tidespring. New arrival to the group, Spanish frigate Méndez Núñez, Norwegian ships HNoMS Maud and HNoMS Roald Amundsen were also part of the impressive formation, which was captured by Royal Navy photographers from the air by a Wildcat of 815 Naval Air Squadron. The UK Carrier Strike Group are at the start of a global deployment, having left home shores last week. Between now and December, the Carrier Strike Group will conduct a series of exercises and operations with air, sea and land forces of a dozen allies in the Mediterranean, Middle East, South-east Asia, Japan and Australia. This is the second deployment of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group. The first, led by HMS Queen Elizabeth in 2021, took place against the backdrop of a world in lockdown due to the Covid pandemic. The 2025 mission, known as Operation Highmast and commanded by Commodore James Blackmore and his staff from aboard HMS Prince of Wales, occurs with a changed world order and even more volatile geo-political situation. The goal is to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate collective resolve with our allies and showcase British trade and industry. Over the course of the deployment, upwards of 4,500 British military personnel will be involved, including nearly 600 RAF and 900 soldiers alongside 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.