Affinity Aviation forges UK partnership with AeronautX

Affinity Aviation Group (AAG) has entered a new strategic collaboration with Austria’s AeronautX, Europe’s newest business aviation training provider. As AeronautX prepares to open its new pilot academy near Amsterdam Airport Schiphol next spring, Affinity has invested in a significant shareholding in AeronautX UK Ltd, who recently set up an office within AAG’s existing HQ at Farnborough Airport, Hampshire.

Jörg Oberhofer, Founder and CEO of AeronautX said: “This new partnership with Affinity Aviation Group and our presence at Farnborough Airport are key to AeronautX’s growing UK operations. Our new training centre opens in Q1 2027 with Bombardier Challenger 350/3500 and Challenger 650 full flight simulators, all of which will be UK CAA certified. This builds on the Base Training approvals AeronautX already holds for Embraer and Gulfstream aircraft.”

Andrew Hoy, Founding CEO of Affinity Aviation Group said: “This partnership represents an exciting step forward for both teams as we also strengthen our presence in the business aviation sector.

“With AeronautX investing heavily in the future of business aviation training, this is an exciting opportunity to build a relationship with a like-minded organisation that shares our commitment to expertise, quality and long-term growth.”

A partnership that builds on a long-term friendship

The collaboration reunites long-term friends and former colleagues. Andrew Hoy – a Training Captain on the Bombardier Global 7500 and a Type Rating Instructor on the whole Global family – worked with Niall Olver, Group Chair of AeronautX’s parent company AX Aero at ExecuJet from 2007 to 2014, when he led global aircraft sales in the UK, Zurich and Dubai.

This latest development builds on a strong year to date for Affinity, now in its 12th year of operations, with record aircraft sales and acquisitions. Andrew said: “More clients returned to us as they sought to replace their aircraft.”

Affinity has become a specialist in pre-owned Bombardier Global transactions and over the past few years has seen sales geography – for these and other types – widen to Asia, USA, South America and the Indian subcontinent.

Farnborough Technology College graduate to help expand aviation business activities

Affinity Aviation recently welcomed Christian Jones as Sales and Business Development Director, a new role for the business. Christian was previously with Jersey-based AOC operator Ortac, as Charter Sales Manager/General Manager. He brings a strong background in operations and charter sales, together with a proven track record of being legally and regulatory approved to serve in Form 4 post-holder jurisdictions (UK, Malta and Guernsey).

A Farnborough Technology College graduate, Christian grew up around a thriving aviation business at Blackbushe Airport watching his father (Trevor Jones) fly King Air B200’s for Manhattan Air, observing at first hand the inner workings of AOC operations.

Andrew said: “Having made some great inroads already at Affinity, we look forward to Christian playing a key role as we prepare to widen our activities in 2027.”

Meanwhile, flyAffinity, the Group’s fixed-fee private jet charter membership programme doubled its turnover (to £2 million) in 2026, welcoming 12 new members and maintaining a 100% client retention rate. Membership has broadened beyond the UK to Europe, the USA, Middle East with an expanded team working on multi time zones to support members’ needs.

Affinity Group Service Director Caroline Talboys said: “In an increasingly crowded private jet charter market, where new charter brokerages continue to emerge, Affinity Aviation has kept to its founding principles. That is full transparency – the elimination of hidden broker commissions and inflated margins – expertise and trust. We’re proud to offer a boutique service for clients who want a more personal and dependable membership experience.”