Srinagar- In a moment of pride for Jammu & Kashmir, senior Air India pilot Capt. Kapil Raina has been upgraded to operate the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 aircraft for ultra long-haul international operations after successfully completing advanced training at Airbus in Singapore.
A resident of Karan Nagar in Srinagar, Capt. Raina belongs to one of Kashmir’s well-known business families. His late father, J.L. Raina, was among the Valley’s pioneering transporters and was associated with Bharat Transport Company.
With a distinguished aviation career spanning several decades, Capt. Raina has served in various key management roles within Air India and also headed the Indian Commercial Pilot Association as its President. Widely respected in aviation circles, he has earned recognition as an Instructor and Examiner on Airbus aircraft and has logged more than 29,000 flying hours during his career.
Capt. Raina has long been regarded as one of the most trusted pilots operating in and out of Jammu & Kashmir, particularly during adverse weather conditions. Passengers often expressed reassurance upon learning that he was commanding their flight, given his vast experience and exceptional flying skills.
He was especially known for operating flights on the challenging Leh sector, where difficult terrain and unpredictable weather demand high levels of precision and expertise.
Adding to the family’s achievements, his daughter Capt. Tanvi Raina became the first and youngest commercial pilot from Kashmir at the age of 18. His other daughter serves in the medical profession, making the family an inspiration for many young Kashmiris.
Apart from his contributions to commercial aviation, Capt. Raina is also credited with playing a significant role in initiating helicopter flight connectivity for the Sonamarg area, helping strengthen regional air transport services.
According to KNS, his latest achievement has been widely hailed by people across Kashmir and members of the aviation fraternity, who described it as another landmark accomplishment for the Valley.
