Originally Posted by
JW411
ExXB: "an elderly DC-10 with a stop in Bangor, vs direct flights"
I'm afraid your memory is letting you down. In fact, Fred took delivery of 5 brand new DC-10-30s at the end of 1979 for the LAX (and MIA) routes so there was nothing elderly about them. (I flew my first direct service with G-BGXE on 05 Jan 1980). There was no need to go anywhere near Bangor with a -30 (more's the pity).
It was the fact that Fred was flying up to 3 direct LGW - LAX services per day with the new aircraft that got the big boys' attention.
indeed
i can recall trying to get back home on staff travel on Laker from MIA - he had 3 flights a day all full very evening i tried - on the 3rd night BA took pity on me and took my worthless to them Laker ticket (that cost me £10)
LAX i recall at least 2 flights a day and were busy
what killed Laker was the $ v £ on his MDD lease rates and rising fuel costs