The appointments mark a key phase in the regional carrier’s measured expansion across southern and western India.
Pure‑play regional airline FLY91 has announced the appointment of aviation veterans Krishnan Balakrishnan as President and Chief Operating Officer, and Jitendra Kushwah as Chief Financial Officer.
The appointments mark a key phase in FLY91’s measured expansion across southern and western India. The airline currently operates across 12 destinations in its growing regional network, reinforcing its commitment to ‘Connecting Bharat’ through safe, reliable and efficient regional air services. Both executives will report directly to Founder, Managing Director and CEO Manoj Chacko and form part of the airline’s core leadership team.
Manoj Chacko, Managing Director and CEO, said, “As we prepare for our next phase of growth, I am delighted to welcome Krishnan and Jitendra to our leadership team. Their depth of experience, proven leadership and shared commitment to excellence will be invaluable as we continue building a world‑class regional airline that connects underserved communities and creates lasting value for our customers, employees and stakeholders.”
Krishnan Balakrishnan brings more than three decades of global aviation experience. He joins FLY91 from Jazeera Airways, Kuwait, where he spent eight years and most recently served as Deputy CEO. Previously, he was Chief Financial Officer at GoAir and held senior leadership roles at Jet Airways and Transwest Helicopters in Canada. At FLY91, he will lead day‑to‑day operations, drive operational excellence and collaborate with aircraft manufacturers and strategic partners to support continued expansion.
Jitendra Kushwah joins FLY91 from FSTC, India’s leading aviation training and simulator organisation, where he was part of the founding leadership team and served as Chief Financial and Operating Officer. He has held senior finance roles at SpiceJet, IndiGo and The Oberoi Group. With over three decades of experience in financial management, corporate governance and strategic planning, he will oversee finance, administration and procurement, supporting the airline’s growth strategy and long‑term objectives.
Launched in March 2024, FLY91 operates over 280 weekly flights, connecting Goa, Hyderabad, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Solapur, Pune, Bengaluru, Hubballi, Agatti and Kochi.