How much speed did the Courier gain from retractable gear?

The extra weight of the gear retraction and extension mechanism was estimated at 30 lb, while the reduced aerodynamic drag allowed a 20 mph increase in cruising speed. The decision to fit hydraulically operated retractable gear is believed to have been inspired by the similarly sized Lockheed Orion, whose gear was manually operated.

The Courier was the first British aircraft with retractable landing gear to enter series production. It was designed by A. H. Tiltman. The prototype, G-ABXN, first flew on 10 April 1933, after being reassembled, piloted by George Stainforth of the Royal Aircraft Establishment. It was powered by an Armstrong Siddeley Lynx IVC.

Airspeed's directors included Sir Alan Cobham, the aviation pioneer who wanted a compact, multi-engined airliner for the "air experience" flights of his National Aviation Day displays. The first Ferry, G-ABSI Youth of Britain II, flew on 5 April 1932 piloted by H. V. Warrall. Only four examples were built, at the company's York works, in the early 1930s. When the Second World War broke out, most surviving Couriers were requisitioned by the RAF, where they were typically used for liaison duties.