Affinity to Operate Additional Training Aircraft for Royal Air Force

(09 Nov 2021)  Affinity Flying Training Services, Elbit Systems' UK joint venture with Kellog, Brown and Root, has been awarded an approximately $88 million (approximately £65 million) contract from the UK Ministry of Defence for the operation of four additional Texan T-6C aircraft for the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) program.

The contract will be performed over a 12-year period.

RAF flight instructors and cadets after a training session. Picture: UK MOD

The four additional Texan T-6C aircraft will be operated predominantly from Affinity’s site at Royal Air Force Valley, where they will join the 10 existing Texans that are already in service.

The UKMFTS is the UK’s program to deliver and support the RAF pilot training, procurement, operations and maintenance services.

Taking place at RAF Cranwell, RAF Barkston Heath and RAF Valley on three different types of aircraft, Affinity has delivered over 20,000 flying hours for the UKMFTS program.

Martin Fausset, CEO of Elbit Systems UK, said, “This contract attests to the level of satisfaction from the services and support provided by us in the UKMFTS program. We are proud to be an integral partner of the UK MOD in providing training solutions for the RAF and of the contribution to the pilots’ operational readiness and efficiency.”

Elbit Systems and KBR each hold a 50% share in Affinity and will evenly benefit from the contract.