Indian fighter pilot Abhinandan joins regional airline as commercial pilot

Indian Air Force fighter pilot Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman, who shot to international prominence after the 2019 India-Pakistan aerial engagement, has joined regional airline FLY91 as a commercial pilot.

Varthaman is currently undergoing training on the Goa-Hyderabad route, according to the airline.

Once he completes the required training and regulatory clearances, Varthaman is expected to fly an ATR aircraft for the carrier.

FLY91, when contacted by The Pioneer, confirmed Varthaman's association with the airline but declined to provide further details about his training or his future flying schedule.

Asked when the former fighter pilot is likely to begin commercial operations and which sectors he may eventually operate, the airline said Varthaman did not wish to share further details about his professional or personal journey.

That reticence is in keeping with the low-profile approach he has largely maintained since becoming one of India's most recognisable military figures.

Varthaman's name became etched in the national consciousness following the India-Pakistan aerial engagement on 27 February 2019. Flying a MiG-21 Bison, he was involved in the aerial engagement in which his aircraft was shot down. He ejected and landed in Pakistani territory, where he was captured by Pakistani forces.

Seven years on, Varthaman is preparing to return to the cockpit — this time not for a combat sortie, but to fly passengers.