Abhinandan Varthaman Joins FLY91 After 22 Years in IAF

Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman has joined regional airline FLY91 as a commercial pilot after a 22-year career in the Indian Air Force.

Former Indian Air Force Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman has moved into commercial aviation after completing more than two decades of military service. Varthaman joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 in August and is expected to fly the carrier's ATR 72-600 aircraft after completing the required training and regulatory procedures.

Varthaman became a national figure following the February 2019 aerial engagement between India and Pakistan, when his MiG-21 Bison was shot down after he engaged Pakistani aircraft. India said he had shot down a Pakistani F-16 during the encounter. He ejected over Pakistani territory and was subsequently captured before being released three days later.

From Fighter Pilot To Captain

Varthaman's transition marks a major change from flying high-performance military fighter jets to operating commercial passenger aircraft.

At FLY91, he is expected to undergo the training and checks required to obtain the necessary clearances before taking charge of passenger flights. The airline currently operates ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft on regional routes.

His extensive experience as an IAF fighter pilot is expected to provide a strong foundation for the new role, although commercial aviation requires separate aircraft-specific training, licensing and regulatory approvals.

2019 Aerial Combat

Varthaman rose to international prominence after the Balakot air strikes and the aerial confrontation that followed on February 27, 2019.

During the engagement, Varthaman pursued Pakistani aircraft across the Line of Control. His MiG-21 Bison was subsequently hit and he ejected from the damaged aircraft.

He landed in Pakistan-administered territory and was captured by Pakistani forces. His detention became a major focus of diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Pakistan released him on March 1, 2019, and he crossed back into India through the Wagah-Attari border.

Awarded Vir Chakra

Following his return, Varthaman was honoured for his actions during the aerial engagement.

He was awarded the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry award. The citation recognised his role during the February 2019 air operation and the combat that followed.

The award cemented his place among India's best-known military aviators and made his distinctive moustache and blue fighter-pilot uniform widely recognised across the country.

Continued IAF Career

Varthaman did not immediately leave military aviation after the 2019 incident. He continued serving with the Indian Air Force and progressed through the officer ranks.

He was promoted to Group Captain in 2021, continuing his career within the IAF for several more years before eventually moving towards commercial aviation.

His decision to enter the airline industry comes after approximately 22 years of service in the Indian Air Force.

FLY91 Expands Regional Network

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

The carrier's business model focuses on connecting smaller and underserved Indian cities with regional destinations. Its ATR aircraft are designed for short-haul regional operations, making them suited to the airline's network.

Varthaman's arrival comes as India's regional aviation sector continues to expand, with airlines seeking experienced pilots amid growing demand for domestic air travel.

Commercial Training Ahead

Despite his extensive military flying background, Varthaman will have to complete the relevant commercial aviation training before operating FLY91's passenger aircraft.

Military fighter aircraft and commercial turboprops have substantially different operating environments, procedures and cockpit systems. The transition therefore involves aircraft-specific training, checks and regulatory requirements.

Sources said Varthaman is expected to complete these procedures before beginning regular commercial operations.

New Chapter In Aviation

Varthaman's move from the IAF to FLY91 represents a shift from combat aviation to civilian passenger operations while keeping him within the profession he has pursued throughout his career.

For the Vir Chakra awardee, the move also marks a new phase after one of the most closely followed episodes in India's recent military history.

Once training and regulatory requirements are completed, Varthaman is expected to take to the skies again — this time flying regional passengers rather than a fighter aircraft.