The introduction of jets in the 1940s posed a problem for naval aviation. The WW2-style aircraft carrier, designed for piston-engined aircraft, could not be effectively used with the new high-speed planes. This prompted fresh thought on the design of the flight deck and its equipment. Experiments revealed that, instead of the traditional layout (takeoff and landing in the same direction as the ship), setting the main runway at an offset angle was more reliable for recovering aircraft and would leave a separate deck area for launching aircraft.

In 1952 HMS Triumph was used for trials of the idea by simply repainting the deck markings at an offset angle.

In late 1952 a rudimentary modification was made to USS Antietam that allowed true angled deck landings.

In 1954 HMS Centaur was modified with an overhanging angled flight deck.

In 1955 HMS Ark Royal became the first carrier to be constructed and launched with an angled deck and steam catapults, as opposed to having them added later.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org