The prototype Courier, G-ABXN, made its initial flights without the Townend ring fitted. It was later fitted to this and all subsequent Couriers.

The prototype Airspeed A.S.5 Courier, G-ABXN, being flown by G. H. Stainforth in April 1933, shortly after its first flight. The Townend ring around the 240 h.p. Lynx IVC radial engine added at least 15 m.p.h. to the aircraft’s speed.

The prototype Courier, G-ABXN, with the ring fitted.

View of the first production Courier, G-ACJL, painted in the two-tone blue colour scheme of Aircraft Exchange & Mart Ltd. It competed in the 1934 MacRobertson Race, and was registered in Australia as VH-UUF in 1935.
The excellent view from the Courier's cabin is well shown in this flying picture, taken while the retractable undercarriage was "at the ready."

SPEED FOR INDIA: The "Cheetah"engined "Courier" of R. Dundas, Ltd., on the tarmac at Almaza Aerodrome, Cairo. Lord Ronaldshay, Managing Director of the Company, is flying to India in this machine, piloted by Mr. C. E. Kelly.
The third production Courier, G-ACLF, at Almaza Airport, Cairo, in December 1933, on its way to India for demonstration by R. K. Dundas. 'LF was later impressed into RAF service and was finally dismantled at Kemble in 1943.

WITH WHEELS DOWN: An Airspeed "Courier" (Siddeley "Cheetah"), similar to that which will be demonstrated at Copenhagen.

The Air Ministry's Courier A.S.5A, K4047, was delivered to the RAF in February 1934. It was later fitted with Shrenk and Handley Page flaps to reduce the aircraft's habit of floating during landing. These flaps are seen in operation in the photograph.

Courier G-ACLT in the colours of Bouts Airlines, during an experimental London-Manchester express freight service in May 1934.