This post from the ARRSE CVF and Carrier Strike thread talks about the ongoing work to prepare these two great ships.
Great progress has been made with the ships, great progress has been made with the F-35B (see
here and
here on the RN website), but both need people to make them work. I remember hearing the FAA Command Warrant Officer talking about the pre SDSR plan to embark more jets aboard the CVS for longer periods to relearn the skills needed both by the air squadron and the
whole ship's company. I remember being told similar things by the Cdr (Air) and others aboard
Illustrious in late 2007. If only sombody had listened to them and the ex CVS Captain First Sea Lord in 2010.
As with most things, people are the key - and possibly the most difficult to prepare. The noise and jet blast from the F-35B are going to make Sea Harrier/Harrier seem tame.