IPA: /ˈfloʊtə/
KK: /ˈfloʊtə/
A group of ships that travel together, especially a group of Spanish ships that used to sail from Cadiz to Vera Cruz to carry goods to Spain.
The flota was an important part of trade between Spain and its colonies in the Americas.
The word 'flota' originates from Old English 'flota', meaning a fleet or a group of ships. It refers specifically to a collection of vessels traveling together.
Think of a 'fleet' of ships traveling together — that's what 'flota' means.