Panaji: Krishnan Balakrishnan has joined regional airline FLY91 as President & Chief Operating Officer, as the carrier announced two key leadership appointments aimed at supporting its continued regional expansion and long-term growth strategy.
Alongside Krishnan Balakrishnan, aviation finance veteran Jitendra Kushwah has been appointed Chief Financial Officer.
The appointments come as FLY91 continues its 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 will become part of the airline’s core leadership team.
With more than three decades of experience in the global aviation industry, Krishnan Balakrishnan joins FLY91 from Jazeera Airways, Kuwait, where he spent eight years and most recently served as Deputy CEO.
Before that, he was Chief Financial Officer at GoAir and also held several senior leadership positions at Jet Airways and Transwest Helicopters in Canada.
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At FLY91, Krishnan Balakrishnan will oversee the airline’s day-to-day operations, drive operational excellence across the organisation, and work closely with aircraft manufacturers and strategic partners to support the airline’s continued expansion.
Meanwhile, Jitendra Kushwah joins FLY91 from FSTC, where he was part of the founding leadership team and served as Chief Financial & Operating Officer.
Earlier in his career, he held senior finance leadership positions at SpiceJet, IndiGo and The Oberoi Group.
With more than three decades of experience in financial management, corporate governance and strategic planning, Kushwah will oversee Finance, Administration and Procurement, supporting the airline’s growth strategy and long-term objectives.
Commenting on the appointments, Manoj Chacko, Managing Director & CEO of FLY91, said: “FLY91 is built on the belief that regional India deserves better connectivity and greater opportunities.
Over the past three years, our team has laid a strong foundation and achieved significant milestones. 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.”
The appointments further strengthen FLY91’s leadership team as the airline continues expanding its regional footprint, growing its fleet and enhancing connectivity between India’s emerging regional centres.
The addition of Krishnan Balakrishnan and Jitendra Kushwah aligns with the airline’s long-term strategy of building a strong operational and financial foundation for sustained growth.
FLY91 currently operates a growing regional network spanning 12 destinations with more than 280 weekly flights across India.
The airline connects Goa (Manohar International Airport, Mopa), Hyderabad, Rajahmundry, Vijayawada, Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, Solapur, Pune, Bengaluru, Hubballi, Agatti in the Lakshadweep Islands, and Kochi, supporting improved regional air connectivity across the country.
