Author Description

Sir Freddie Laker was one of Britain's most renowned entrepreneurs. After leaving school at age 16, his early years include the Berlin Airlift, Aviation Traders, the 'Accountant' aircraft - designed to replace the venerable DC-3 - the innovative Carvair and BUA. He was a millionaire before he'd turned 25. After starting Laker Airways following the tragic death of his 17 year-old son Kevin, Freddie built the airline into a powerhouse, specialising in the European and North American markets. He then took on governments on both sides of the Atlantic for the licences to fl y his revolutionary 'Skytrain' service, for which is he is most known. It gave the opportunity of aff ordable air travel between the UK and the USA to millions who could never before have the experience. A storm of events compounded by ill-timed personal upheaval brought Sir Freddie's airline down on the 5th of February, 1982. Now, for the first time, the unsanitised story of Sir Freddie, his brilliant and overly-ambitious business ventures and his turbulent personal life is being told.