Former IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman joins FLY91 as commercial pilot

Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, a decorated fighter pilot celebrated for his role in the 2019 aerial conflict with Pakistan, has retired from the military and joined a regional airline as a commercial pilot. Varthaman, who was awarded the Vir Chakra for his actions during the post-Balakot operations, began flying for the Goa-based carrier FLY91 in August, according to multiple sources familiar with the development. The 43-year-old officer had a distinguished 22-year career in the Indian Air Force before taking premature retirement. His transition to commercial aviation follows his emergence as a national figure during the February 2019 confrontation. On February 27, 2019, while piloting a MiG-21 Bison from the Srinagar-based 51 Squadron, Varthaman was scrambled to intercept a large formation of Pakistani aircraft that included advanced F-16 and JF-17 jets. During the ensuing dogfight over the Line of Control, he successfully shot down a Pakistani F-16 before his own aircraft was struck by a missile, forcing him to eject over enemy territory.