Fighter pilot Abhinandan, taken POW after he downed Pak jet, goes commercial

The decorated officer, who prefers to maintain a low profile, shot down an enemy jet during aerial combat with Pakistan in February 2019. The combat occurred on February 27, 2019, following the Balakot airstrikes India carried out to target terror camps in Pakistan in retaliation for the Pulwama attack.

During the encounter, Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet before his own MiG-21 Bison was hit by enemy fire. At the time, he held the rank of Wing Commander.

Following his ejection, Varthaman landed in Pakistani territory and was captured before Indian authorities secured his release in a globally watched diplomatic move. He was honoured with the Vir Chakra award in 2021.

Varthaman is learnt to have joined the airline as a commercial pilot last month and was relieved by the IAF a few months ago.

As a fighter pilot in the IAF, Group Captain Varthaman flew the Su-30 MKI and later the MiG-21. He will now fly ATR aircraft for FLY91.

It is not uncommon for IAF pilots to retire relatively young and move into commercial aviation, given the substantial experience of fighter, helicopter and transport pilots in handling aircraft, navigation, emergencies, crew coordination and disciplined operating procedures.

Commercial airlines are also said to value military experience.