Former Indian Air Force Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot.Varthaman, who grew to become extensively recognized after taking pictures down a Pakistani fighter throughout an aerial engagement in 2019 earlier than being captured by Pakistan, joined the airline in August.His transfer to business aviation comes after a distinguished profession within the IAF, together with his position within the aerial fight that adopted India’s Balakot air strikes.On February 26, 2019, the IAF carried out an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed facility in Balakot, Pakistan, days after a terrorist assault on a CRPF convoy in Pulwama killed 40 personnel.
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The next day, Pakistani fighter jets tried to launch an aerial assault, prompting the IAF to scramble plane to intercept them.Varthaman, then a Wing Commander with the Srinagar-based 51 Squadron, was flying a MiG-21 Bison when he engaged a Pakistani F-16. The IAF stated he shot down the Pakistani fighter earlier than his personal plane was hit.Varthaman ejected over territory managed by Pakistan and was taken into custody by the Pakistani Military. He was launched three days later following intense diplomatic and political strain from India.He was awarded the Vir Chakra, India’s third-highest wartime gallantry award, in 2021 for his actions in the course of the aerial engagement. He was subsequently promoted to Group Captain.
