Designed as a smaller version of the 10A, the Lockheed 12A was well liked by corporate operators and private individuals, but less popular with feeder airlines who considered them too small. Many were used by the US Army Air Corps and other air forces. The RCAF had ten Lockheed 12As on strength during Second World War. These were later sold as surplus and continued to fly with private operators after the war. Production was terminated early in Second World War.
Three British Lockheed 12s with hidden cameras secretly photographed areas of Germany before the outbreak of Second World War.
The Museum version was made in 1937 and operated by the Department of Transport until 1963, when it was presented to the Museum. The Museum aircraft was purchased by the Department of Transport in 1937 to survey the proposed route of the Trans-Canada Airway. In 1937 it performed the first same-day Montreal-to-Vancouver flight, with five stops along the way.