Abhinandan Varthaman, former IAF hero, joins regional airline FLY91 as pilot

His move to commercial aviation comes after a distinguished career in the IAF

Former Indian Air Force Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot. Varthaman, who became widely known after shooting down a Pakistani fighter during an aerial engagement in 2019 before being captured by Pakistan, joined the airline in August. His move to commercial aviation comes after a distinguished career in the IAF, including his role in the aerial combat that followed India's Balakot air strikes. On February 26, 2019, the IAF carried out an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed facility in Balakot, Pakistan, days after a terrorist attack on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama killed 40 personnel.

The following day, Pakistani fighter jets attempted to launch an aerial attack, prompting the IAF to scramble aircraft to intercept them. Varthaman, then a Wing Commander with the Srinagar-based 51 Squadron, was flying a MiG-21 Bison when he engaged a Pakistani F-16. The IAF said he shot down the Pakistani fighter before his own aircraft was hit. Varthaman ejected over territory controlled by Pakistan and was taken into custody by the Pakistani Army. He was released three days later following intense diplomatic and political pressure from India. He was awarded the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry award, in 2021 for his actions during the aerial engagement. He was subsequently promoted to Group Captain.