World · India Bureau
Former IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman joins regional carrier FLY91
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who gained prominence following the 2019 Balakot crisis, has joined FLY91 as a pilot. The move marks his entry into India's growing regional aviation sector.
LSN India ·
Abhinandan Varthaman, a decorated former Group Captain of the Indian Air Force, has joined FLY91, a regional airline that commenced operations in March 2024. His appointment underscores the airline's focus on building a professional crew roster as it expands its presence across South India.
FLY91 operates a fleet of six ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, operating from two primary bases in Goa and Hyderabad. The airline focuses on connecting underserved regional routes, capitalizing on the growing demand for affordable air travel in tier-two and tier-three cities across the region.
Varthaman's aviation credentials extend beyond his distinguished military service. His experience with the IAF's fighter operations brings technical expertise to the regional carrier, which is positioning itself to tap into India's expanding aviation market.
The airline's operational strategy aligns with India's broader push to enhance regional connectivity through schemes such as RCS-UDAN, which incentivizes operators to serve less economical routes. FLY91's entry into this competitive segment reflects growing investor confidence in the sector's long-term potential despite current challenges in India's airline industry.