Home / Business and Economy / Vir Chakra Pilot Varthaman Soars with FLY91
Vir Chakra Pilot Varthaman Soars with FLY91
2 Sep
Summary
- Abhinandan Varthaman, decorated Vir Chakra recipient, joins FLY91.
- He previously downed an enemy jet during 2019 aerial combat.
- The airline confirmed Varthaman's employment as a pilot.
Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman has joined the Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot. Varthaman is renowned for his actions during an aerial combat with Pakistan in 2019, where he successfully downed an enemy jet before being held captive for three days. He was subsequently honored with the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry medal, in 2021 for his "exceptional sense of duty" during the engagement.
Sources indicate that Varthaman commenced his employment with FLY91 in August. The airline, which launched its flight operations in March 2024, currently utilizes a fleet comprising six ATR 72-600 aircraft. FLY91 operates with two primary bases located in Goa and Hyderabad.
