Final answer:
An aircraft takes off in the direction of a headwind to benefit from the higher airspeed that the headwind provides, allowing it to generate more lift. This shorter takeoff distance is beneficial for safety and efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an aircraft takes off into a headwind, it benefits from the higher airspeed that the headwind provides, which allows the aircraft to generate more lift. The lift generated by an aircraft is directly proportional to the airspeed, so with a headwind, the aircraft can achieve the necessary lift at a lower groundspeed. This shorter takeoff distance is beneficial for various reasons, including safety and efficiency.