IAF Hero Abhinandan Varthaman Joins Regional Airline FLY91

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Sep 02, 2026 21:22

Former IAF Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, Vir Chakra awardee, has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot. Learn more about his new role.

IAF Hero Abhinandan Varthaman Joins Regional Airline FLY91

Key Points

Former IAF Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman has joined regional airline FLY91 as a pilot.
Varthaman, a Vir Chakra awardee, was known for downing an enemy jet in 2019.
He officially commenced his role with the Goa-based airline in August.
FLY91 is a new regional airline that started flying in March 2024.

New Delhi, Sep 2 (PTI) Former Indian Air Force Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot, according to sources.

Varthaman, who downed an enemy jet during an aerial combat with Pakistan in 2019 and was held captive for three days in that country, was honoured with the Vir Chakra award in 2021.

The sources told PTI that Varthaman joined the airline as a pilot in August.

When contacted, a FLY91 spokesperson said personal information about employees is a private matter and did not comment.

Further details could not be immediately ascertained.

The fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force was decorated with Vir Chakra -- India's third-highest wartime gallantry medal -- for displaying an "exceptional sense of duty" during the dogfight, as per the award citation.

FLY91, which started flying in March 2024, currently operates a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft. The airline's two bases are Goa and Hyderabad.

Source: PTI By Rediff Money Desk, New Delhi

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