Airlines

Here’s Why A Toilet Is Hanging On A Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet’s Wing

A highly unusual “bomb” hanging under the wing was displayed by the U.S. Navy on a brand-new F/A-18E Block III Super Hornet fighter.

The F/A-18E Block III Super Hornet has been seen in multiple pictures taken by the 25th Fighter Squadron of the United States Navy, which is based at Lemoore Air Force Base in California. Actually, the history of the “toilet bomb” is quite fascinating.

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The 25th Squadron, commonly known as VA-25, attacked the Vietnamese enemies with 6 million bombs before the end of October 1965. So, it was decided to have an interesting anniversary celebration. In the midst of the South China Sea, one of the sailors was able to install an ordinary toilet on board the Midway. A “ceramic bomb” was able to be fitted to the wing of an A-1 Skyraider assault aircraft thanks to a unique design created by specialists.

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On November 4, 1965, Commander Clarence W. Stoddard, Jr., carried out an unexpected attack against the positions of the Vietnamese enemy. The A-1 Skyraider attack aircraft’s pilot read out a list of the ready-to-drop weapons as soon as they arrived at their intended location in the Mekong Delta. The Sani-Flush codename for “toilet bomb” (the name of a toilet bowl cleaner). The toilet bowl nearly collided with a passing American jet during the drop.

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The historical toilet replica was so proudly on show during the change of command event on September 16 at Naval Air Station Lemoore. Commander Mark “IROC” Tedrow, a former Blue Angel, replaced Commander Kristen Hansen as the pilot of VFA-25 during the event. It was the ideal setting for a light-hearted look back at the squadron’s illustrious past.

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Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.