New Delhi: (RightNow) Former Indian Air Force Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman has joined a private airline as a pilot. He took early retirement after being defeated by the Pakistani Air Force in 2019.

Abhinandan retired from the Indian Air Force in March and joined the private airline FLY91 in August. The airline has not disclosed details about his position or flights.

A spokesperson for the airline declined further comment, citing employee privacy. Abhinandan’s new job marks the end of his military career.

It is noteworthy that in the 2019 Indo-Pak aerial skirmish, Abhinandan’s MiG-21 Bison was shot down by the Pakistani Air Force. He was captured after landing in Pakistani territory.

Indian authorities awarded Abhinandan the Vir Chakra, while Pakistani and international sources rejected India’s claim of downing an F-16 aircraft.