Abhinandan Varthaman Begins a New Chapter with FLY91

From Fighter Pilot to Commercial Aviation

Abhinandan Varthaman Begins a New Chapter with FLY91: Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman has entered a new phase of his aviation career by joining Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a commercial pilot. His move follows nearly 22 years of service in military aviation, during which he operated combat aircraft.

Varthaman retired from the Indian Air Force on 31 March 2026. He subsequently transitioned to civilian aviation and joined FLY91 in August 2026, beginning the required type-rating training and regulatory clearances for commercial operations.

Static GK fact: A type rating is additional pilot qualification required to operate a particular aircraft type beyond the basic commercial pilot licence.

The 2019 Aerial Engagement

Abhinandan Varthaman became internationally recognised following the aerial engagement on 27 February 2019 near the Line of Control (LoC). He was flying a MiG-21 Bison during the operation when his aircraft was damaged and he had to eject.

After being captured in Pakistan, he returned to India after three days of captivity. The episode brought considerable international attention to his military service and made him one of India’s best-known fighter pilots.

Honoured with the Vir Chakra

For his service during the 2019 military engagement, Varthaman was awarded the Vir Chakra, one of India’s wartime gallantry decorations. The award was presented by the President of India in November 2021.

Static GK Tip: The Vir Chakra is the third-highest wartime gallantry award in India, ranking below the Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra.

His military career and the events surrounding the 2019 aerial engagement established Varthaman as a prominent figure in India’s modern military aviation history.

Joining FLY91

With his move to commercial aviation, Varthaman is transitioning from high-performance fighter aircraft to regional passenger aircraft. At FLY91, he has been undergoing the necessary training and clearances before beginning commercial flying duties.

The development also highlights how experienced military pilots can transition into India’s growing civilian aviation sector after completing the required regulatory qualifications.

About FLY91

FLY91 is a Goa-based regional airline that began commercial operations in March 2024. The airline focuses on improving air connectivity between smaller cities and regional markets.

As of 3 September 2026, FLY91 had six ATR 72-600 aircraft in its fleet, with Goa and Hyderabad serving as its base airports.

Static GK fact: The ATR 72-600 is a twin-engine turboprop regional aircraft widely used for short-haul passenger services and regional connectivity.

Varthaman’s transition from flying the MiG-21 Bison in the Indian Air Force to operating regional civilian aircraft through FLY91 marks a notable second chapter in his aviation career.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Abhinandan Varthaman Begins a New Chapter with FLY91: