From Fighter Pilot To Commercial Aviation: Abhinandan Varthaman Joins FLY91

Former Indian Air Force fighter pilot Abhinandan Varthaman has taken premature retirement from the force and moved into commercial aviation.

The former Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a commercial pilot in August, according to a PTI report citing sources.

Varthaman was relieved from the IAF in March after nearly 22 years of service. He will now operate ATR 72-600 aircraft for FLY91.

The airline has not shared details about his appointment, citing employee privacy.

FLY91 began commercial operations in March 2024 and currently operates six ATR 72-600 aircraft. The airline has operational bases in Goa and Hyderabad.

Varthaman became widely known following the India-Pakistan aerial confrontation in February 2019, which came after India’s Balakot air strikes following the Pulwama suicide bombing that killed 40 CRPF personnel.

During the aerial engagement, Varthaman’s MiG-21 was shot down. He ejected over Pakistan and remained in custody for three days before returning to India.

India later awarded Varthaman the Vir Chakra for his courage and exceptional sense of duty during the operation. His move to FLY91 now marks a transition from military fighter aviation to the country’s commercial aviation sector.

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