The One-Eleven was designed to replace the Vickers Viscount. It was the second short-haul jet airliner to enter service, the first being the French Sud Aviation Caravelle. Due to its later service entry, the One-Eleven took advantage of more efficient engines and airline experience of jets. This made it popular, with over half of the sales at its launch being in the largest and most lucrative market, the United States.

Today only a handful are still operating, mainly in Africa, though corporate versions survive in the USA and Europe. The One-Eleven was one of the most successful British airliner designs.