Affinity Aviation Group (AAG), the UK-based company specializing in aircraft sales and charter, has begun a strategic collaboration with flight-training provider AeronautX.
“This partnership represents an exciting step forward for both teams as we strengthen our presence in the business aviation sector,” said Andrew Hoy, AAG founding CEO, training captain on the Bombardier Global 7500, type rating instructor for the entire Global family. “With AeronautX investing heavily in the future of business aviation training, this is an opportunity to build a relationship with a like-minded organization that shares our commitment to expertise, quality, and long-term growth.”
Affinity made a significant investment in AeronautX UK, which recently opened an office within AAG’s headquarters at London-area Farnborough Airport. AeronautX is preparing to open its new pilot training academy near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport early next year.
“This new partnership with Affinity Aviation Group and our presence at Farnborough Airport are key to AeronautX's growing UK operations,” explained AeronautX founder and CEO Jörg Oberhofer. “Our new training center 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.”
As it closes out its 12th year of operations, Affinity—which has become a specialist in preowned Bombardier Global transactions—noted that the third quarter of this year was a record for it in terms of aircraft sales and acquisitions, with many buyers and sellers seeking “off-market” deals. While its sales volume remained the same, the company’s revenue increased by 22% year over year as its demand has spread beyond Europe to the U.S., South America, and Asia.
Following the rebranding of ground-handling provider Universal Aviation to Affinity Aviation, announced last week at NBAA-BACE, AAG released a statement distinguishing the two companies: “We are aware that developments in the wider marketplace with similarities in company naming may create potential confusion. We would therefore like to reassure our clients and partners that our business remains independent. Our identity remains unchanged, and our commitment to delivering the highest standards of service remains absolute.”
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