Former Indian Air Force Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot.
Varthaman joined the airline in August, marking his move to the commercial aviation sector following his distinguished career in the Indian Air Force.
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He gained national attention during the February 2019 India-Pakistan aerial engagement, when he flew a MiG-21 Bison and shot down a Pakistani fighter aircraft. He was subsequently captured by Pakistan after his aircraft was downed and was released two days later.
Varthaman was awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, for his actions during the aerial combat.
His appointment as a pilot with FLY91 comes as the Goa-based airline continues to operate regional air services connecting Goa with destinations across India.
