Goa-based airline Fly91 recently surprised a young pilot by arranging for her parents to travel on one of her first flights. The airline shared details of the incident in an X post, calling it the start of a tradition where they would call a new pilot’s loved ones to fly with them.
Fly91 is a regional airline founded by Manoj Chacko and Harsha Raghavan. The airline currently operates on a few routes, mainly in southern India, and has plans to expand its business in the coming years.
(Also read: All about Fly91, the private airline Abhinandan Varthaman joined after quitting Indian Air Force)
A special surprise from Fly91
This morning, the official X account of Fly91 shared pictures of Junior First Officer Anika onboard an airplane with her parents.
“For our Junior First Officer Anika, one of her flights as a released pilot came with a little surprise waiting on board,” read the caption.
A released pilot means a trainee who has finished all requirements—including simulator sessions, base checks (takeoffs and landings) and supervised flying with a trainer—and is officially cleared ("released") to fly commercial routes.
{{/usCountry}}A released pilot means a trainee who has finished all requirements—including simulator sessions, base checks (takeoffs and landings) and supervised flying with a trainer—and is officially cleared ("released") to fly commercial routes.
{{/usCountry}}The Goa-based airline explained that Anika’s parents were called so they could see her operate a flight.
(Also read: Pilot flies his mother for the first time, says she will always be his ‘favourite passenger’)
“We sent her parents on the very flight she was operating, so they could be there to see her take to the skies in her new role. Imagine the pride of watching your daughter in the cockpit, doing what she’s worked so hard for,” the airline said in its X post.
The start of a new tradition
Fly91 said that this incident marks the start of a new tradition where new pilots will fly their loved ones. This practice will honour the people who supported the pilots on their journey to entering the world of aviation.
“For Anika, it was a flight she wouldn’t forget. For her parents, a moment to cherish. And for us at FLY91, the beginning of a little tradition we’re very happy to be starting, where we surprise our pilots post release with a visit from their loved ones on board,” the airline wrote.
“Because behind every pilot’s journey, there are people who’ve been cheering them on long before take-off!”
(Also read: IndiGo pilot fulfils a lifelong dream as he flies his parents for the first time)