The density of “ready for take-off” aircraft on a flight deck of a ship is increased by orienting the aircraft at orientation angles between 20° and 180° from dead ahead. Preferred ships are modified from, or utilize a design derived from an existing ship, especially a large containership or other commercial ship. One or more payload staging decks can be advantageously located under the flight deck. All suitable types of aircraft are contemplated, including especially helicopters, tilt-rotors, and other rotorcraft. In preferred embodiments at least three, five, or ten aircraft are vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Also in preferred embodiments, at least five of the first plurality of the aircraft are capable of carrying a payload greater than 20,000 pounds.