Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot down Pakistan jet, takes flight with Goa airline FLY91

Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, a Vir Chakra recipient known for shooting down an enemy jet during aerial combat in 2019 and for being held captive for three days in Pakistan, has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot, according to sources cited by PTI. The report says he started with the airline in August, though a FLY91 spokesperson declined to comment on employee personal details. Varthaman received the Vir Chakra—India’s third-highest wartime gallantry medal—after the award citation referenced an “exceptional sense of duty” during the dogfight. FLY91, which began operations in March 2024, flies a fleet of six ATR 72-600 aircraft, based in Goa and Hyderabad.