When it comes to flying cars, the concept has always been a fantasy ever since the automobile was first invented. However, it may not be a fantasy anymore as Uber and NASA are partnering up to develop a flying taxi that might just be ready to take over the skies by 2020.

© Uber

The taxi-hailing company signed a deal with NASA yesterday to develop an air traffic management system so that Uber can fly their taxis safely. The partnership was announced by Jeff Holden, Uber head of product on Wednesday.

The agreement was signed as a part of NASA's Space Act Agreement where it allows a collective of industry leaders and other companies to work towards safer and efficient flying taxis and unmanned aerial systems. The flying taxis will be flown at low altitudes so that it does not interfere with the traditional air traffic of jets and other aircrafts. Uber detailed how the concept will actually work and their long-term vision for the flying taxi service in a marketing video. 

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The flying taxi service will be able to pick up and drop off up to four passengers at selected locations. Uber has not discussed the pricing model for the service, although Uber expects the ride to cost as much as an UberX trip. That's actually really cheap!

© Uber

Uber has already been investing in self-driving cars and also announced plans for flying taxis in cities like Dallas and Dubai by 2020. However, Uber has now added Los Angeles to the list of cities that will host trials for the service. Uber may just be pushing the envelope, however, there is no way to ascertain whether this service will be expanded to other countries. A self-driven taxi may never be seen in India due to the country's driving habits and lack of basic driving etiquette. We sure as hell are not expecting a flying taxi service to enter India, especially with all this smog around us!

© Uber

However, the flying taxi service may also be the saving grace for traffic problems in a city like New Delhi. Uber predicts that a trip of 15 kilometres will take about 30 minutes as compared to 1 hour 20 minutes in a car.