Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman begins flying for regional carrier FLY91
Abhinandan Varthaman, a former Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain and recipient of the Vir Chakra, has taken up a new role in commercial aviation. According to PTI, he officially joined Goa-based regional carrier FLY91 as a pilot in August. FLY91 has not commented on the specifics of Varthaman's role, maintaining that personnel details are private.
Varthaman gained international attention in 2019 when he was captured during a dogfight with Pakistani fighter jets. He shot down an enemy aircraft before being detained, held for three days in Pakistani custody. For his exceptional courage and duty during the battle, he was awarded the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry honour, in 2021.
FLY91 commenced its commercial flight operations in March 2024. The regional airline currently operates out of Goa and Hyderabad, managing a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft.
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- Fighter pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, known for his role in post-Balakot operations, joins Goa-based airline as pilot livemint.com
- Pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, Who Shot Down Pak Jet, Retires From IAF And Joins Goa Airline: Report ndtv.com
- Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot down Pak jet after Balakot strikes joins private airline timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman begins flying for regional carrier FLY91 indianexpress.com
