[2] The Argosy was developed during the early-to-mid 1920s in response to a statement by Imperial Airways that new multi-engined airliners were being sought to replace its single-engined counterparts then in use.

Following the delivery of the second aircraft to Imperial Airways, the Argosy performed its first passenger flight on 16 July 1926, flying from London to Paris.

During 1935, Imperial Airways opted to retire all remaining aircraft in favour of the next generation of airliners, which were larger and equipped with four engines instead.

The structure was composed of steel tubing, with most exterior surfaces being covered by fabric, including the walls and ceiling of the passenger compartment.

II and were fitted with more powerful 410 hp (310 kW) Jaguar IVA engines, an increased fuel capacity and the addition of automatic wingtip slots.

[9] The Argosy was initially used on European routes (later operating on services to South Africa), with individual aircraft being named after cities.

Early on, Imperial Airways were keen to demonstrate the capabilities and potential uses for their new airliner; its interior was considerably more spacious than any of its rivals upon its introduction.

[13][14][15] Starting in 1929, the timing having been largely due to protracted international negotiations, the Argosy was one of the aircraft used on the first air mail route of the British Empire, spanning from London to Karachi, India.

On 28 March 1933, however, the City of Liverpool caught fire over Belgium, causing a crash in which all three crew and twelve passengers were killed.