The Bleriot Mk.XI was a very successful monoplane which was first flown on 23rd January 1909. The plane was flown by it's designer, Louis Bleriot on the first crossing of the English channel on 25th July 1909. The design went into production that year and became very popular with competition pilots in both England and France. It was later manufactured in substantial quantities for France's "Aviation Militaire" and several for the Royal Flying Corps. They were used by both countries in the early part of W.W.I.

The Antoinette series of aeroplanes were produced by The Société Antoinette and designed Léon Levavasseur. On 19th July 1909 the Englishman Hubert Latham attempted the first flight across the English Channel in an Antoinette IV, but due to engine failure he ditched in the sea. Louis Bleriot successfully crossed on 25th July, but this did not stop Latham making another attempt two days later in an Antoinette VII. Once again he ditched, but this time only a mile from the English coast. This Antoinette aeroplane later vindicated itself at the first ever flying meeting at Rheims, France, reaching a record altitude of 508.53ft. Shortly after the Antoinette went into production becoming a very successful and popular monoplane.