India, Sept. 2 -- From the roar of a MiG-21 Bison in a combat mission to the measured routine of a passenger aircraft cockpit, Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman is preparing for a dramatically different second innings in the skies.

The decorated Indian Air Force fighter pilot has joined regional airline FLY91 as a commercial pilot and is currently undergoing training on the Goa-Hyderabad route, according to the airline.

Once he completes the required training and regulatory clearances, Varthaman is expected to fly an ATR aircraft for the carrier.

FLY91, when contacted by The Pioneer, confirmed Varthaman's association with the airline but declined to provide further details about his training or his future flying schedule.

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