Uber hopes to send its ’35p-a-mile’ flying taxis into the skies by 2020

UBER  bosses are to hold crucial talks with transport and safety officials within days as they work to launch their flying taxis within just two years.

The global transport firm will mount a charm offensive with the US government at its crucial 'Elevate' summit being held in Los Angeles.

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Uber has headhunted top NASA experts over the last 12 months to push ahead with its plans to launch the world's first fleet of affordable flying taxis.

The 200mph flying cars will use helicopter-style rotors to take off and land vertically, but use fixed wings over longer distances.

Uber say the service will be cheaper and faster than existing taxi services, upending urban transport and addressing growing congestion fears.

On Tuesday, Elaine Chao, the US transportation secretary, and Daniel Elwell, of the Federal Aviation Authority, will hear Uber outline its plans to begin aerial tests in cities including LA and Dallas in 2020.

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It believes that an aerial taxi service will be available to the public within five years, and will eventually become a common way of commuting across cities.