Former IAF ace Abhinandan Varthaman signs on as pilot for Goa carrier FLY91
Ex-Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman has begun flying for regional airline FLY91 in Goa.
Veteran Indian Air Force officer Abhinandan Varthaman, awarded the Vir Chakra for his role in the 2019 air engagement after the Balakot strike, entered the commercial sector by signing with Goa-based airline FLY91 as a pilot. Varthaman, then a Wing Commander with the Srinagar-based 51 Squadron, downed a Pakistani F-16 while flying a MiG-21 Bison before being forced to eject and briefly held by Pakistan. He was released after three days amid diplomatic pressure. Following his promotion to Group Captain, he now pilots for the regional carrier, reflecting a shift from military to civilian aviation duties.
Why it matters
The hiring shows how high-profile military heroes can influence commercial aviation and public interest in regional airlines.
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