Sir - Much as I respect John Byrnes, I am somewhat surprised at his diatribe on Sir Freddie Laker (Flight International, 18-24 October, P64).
Has he forgotten that Laker gave him a job when others would not, trained him on new equipment, and enabled him to gain the experience from which his new "long-established" company now benefits?
Being also a victim in 1982, I would certainly not blame Laker for those events, but would direct my wrath at some of those other, so-called "long-established" companies which took part in Laker Airways' downfall. Fortunately, I was also lucky enough, to be taken on by a major carrier one, which had no part in those events.
I very much doubt whether Laker would need or even think about, eating Byrnes' lunch and I personally wish him the best of luck.
ROGER WETHERELL
Hong Kong
Source: Flight International