Born Frederick Alfred Laker, Sir Freddie Laker was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to commercial aviation and the British economy. Known for his pioneering marketing ideas within the travel industry in the 1970s, Laker founded Britain's first all-jet air carrier, Laker Airways Limited. He also founded the "SKYTRAIN" service, which revolutionized the airline industry by offering the first no-reservation, low-cost air service. By 1981, over 2 million passengers had traveled SKYTRAIN.
Sir Freddie's love of aviation was inspired by the sight of the Hindenberg and a Handley Page bi-plane crossing his home town of Canterbury England. After flying with the Air Transport Auxiliary in World War II, Laker formed Channel Air Bridge Limited in 1953. The company was only one of two to sell air transportation of vehicles, passengers and cargo (including live cattle and horses) on the same aircraft.
Laker was also involved in the design and development of London's Gatwick Airport with an integrated rail link direct to London. He was the architect and first managing director of British United Airways, which operated the largest fleet of non-government aircraft in the U.K. During this time, Laker helped developed the BAC 1-11 jet, Britain's most commercially successful aircraft.
For 35 consecutive years, Laker has managed and operated commercial aircraft businesses to profitability - an enviable record indeed. His Laker Airways (Bahamas) Limited has been profitable since it began operating in 1992. He is also a joint owner of Laker Airways, Inc., which operates regularly scheduled and charter flights between Orlando and Fort Lauderdale to London Gatwick, Manchester and Prestwick, Scotland.
Sir Laker has also ventured onto the Internet with Laker Information Services, an Internet Service Provider located in southern Florida.
He holds an honorary doctorate of science from the University of Manchester, the City University-London and the Cranfeld Institute of Technology. He also holds an honorary doctorate of law from Victoria University-Manchester.