Goa, Sept. 3 -- Former Indian Air Force Group Captain and Vir Chakra awardee Abhinandan Varthaman has joined Goa-based regional airline FLY91 as a pilot.

Varthaman joined the airline in August, marking his move to the commercial aviation sector following his distinguished career in the Indian Air Force.

He gained national attention during the February 2019 India-Pakistan aerial engagement, when he flew a MiG-21 Bison and shot down a Pakistani fighter aircraft. He was subsequently captured by Pakistan after his aircraft was downed and was released two days later.

Varthaman was awarded the Vir Chakra, India's third-highest wartime gallantry award, for his actions during the aerial combat.

His appointment as a pilot with FLY91 comes as t...