Major news has emerged regarding Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman. According to reports, Abhinandan has left the Air Force and joined the regional airline Fly91 as a pilot. PTI reported this citing sources. It is worth noting that Abhinandan had shot down a Pakistani Air Force F-16 fighter jet during an operation. Sources indicated that he began working as a pilot for the Goa-based airline in August.
What did the airline say?
According to reports, a Fly91 spokesperson has declined to comment on Abhinandan Varthaman. The spokesperson stated that an employee’s personal information is a private matter. Consequently, further details regarding Abhinandan’s role at the airline are not immediately available. For context, Fly91 commenced operations in March 2024. The airline currently has a fleet of six aircraft and operates from two hubs: Goa and Hyderabad.
Abhinandan shot down a Pakistani aircraft
Abhinandan Varthaman rose to prominence following a confrontation with the Pakistani Air Force in 2019. In response to the Pulwama terror attack, the Indian Air Force conducted airstrikes on terror camps in Balakot, Pakistan, on February 26, 2019. Subsequently, Pakistan attempted to retaliate against India. On February 27, Pakistan deployed fighter jets for an attack, but the Indian Air Force repelled them. During this engagement, Abhinandan shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet using his MiG-21; however, his own aircraft crashed, and he was subsequently taken into custody by Pakistan. However, due to pressure from the Indian government, Pakistan released Abhinandan after three days.
Abhinandan was awarded the Vir Chakra.
Abhinandan was honoured with the Vir Chakra in 2021. It is worth noting that the Vir Chakra is the country’s third-highest wartime gallantry award. He received this honour for demonstrating ‘exceptional devotion to duty’.
