Former Indian Air Force Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a commercial pilot, according to sources familiar with the development.
Varthaman, who downed a Pakistani fighter jet during an aerial engagement in February 2019 and was held captive for three days before being released, received the Vir Chakra — India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award — in 2021. He later continued his service in the IAF and was promoted to Group Captain. He took premature retirement and joined FLY91 in August 2026.
FLY91, which began commercial operations in March 2024, currently operates a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft from bases in Goa and Hyderabad. A spokesperson for the airline stated that personal information about employees is a private matter and declined further comment.
Varthaman is reported to be undergoing type training on the ATR 72-600 before operating commercial routes.
