The South African aerostructures group will produce parts for the remotely piloted model, and may manufacture complete aircraft if there is sufficient demand in its region.
The French start-up is close to beginning production of its Integral family of light aircraft, as it continues development of a 19-seat hybrid-electric regional airliner.
Textron confirmed that its Nexus eVTOL is a technology testbed, rather than an active program as it continues to assess its advanced air mobility options.
A government-backed research institute is funding work to develop a hybrid-electric powertrain based on a new version of the Wankel piston engine that is now being used to power Mazda's new RX-8 car.
The airline venture capital arm has been a significant early-stage investor in start-ups such as eVOL aircraft developer Joby and propulsion system pioneer Universal Hydrogen.
The U.S. aerospace group has used its Nexus eVTOL design as a technology testbed, but the head of its eAviation team says it has yet to prove the business case for launching the program.
The air traffic management specialist is participating with other stakeholders in the Airspace Management Consortium set up by Hyundai's eVTOL aircraft division, Supernal.
Research fellows from George Mason University's Mercatus Center have re-evaluated options for ensuring that what they see as a tipping point moment for regional aviation in America achieves its full potential.