Leveraging his broad skillset to tap into enormous post-World War Two demand, Freddie Laker’s business interests diversified rapidly in the 1950s, albeit with mixed success
Buoyed by the success of his own ventures, Freddie Laker took a keen interest in the steady growth of other companies, such as cross-channel ferry specialists Silver City Airways and, in particular, Eagle Aviation. The company had been picking up charter work and government contracts to fly supplies and troops throughout the British Empire. Laker decided that this growing market offered enough room for expansion and so resurrected Air Charter.
In February 1951, Aviation Traders took over Surrey Flying Services and, in May, an Avro 685 York C1, G-AMGM (c/n 1355), was purchased from Eagle Aviation to launch freight and passenger services. Laker was back where he loved to be – in the air – and in July he purchased a second Avro York G-AMGL, (c/n 1354), also from Eagle Aviation.
