Sir Freddie Laker died last week. The genial ”Fred” did not pioneer the so-called ”budget airlines” as we know them today. That is a totally different concept. What he did do is open up the public”s eyes to the possibility of crossing the Atlantic at a price they could afford. Today London ” New York is by far the world”s most successful long haul international air route. That is his true legacy. Good company, he will be missed. Love him or hate him (and some creditors did) he was truly one of the greats of British commercial aviation.