ETHZilla Launches First Tradeable Tokenized Aviation RWA on Ethereum

In a landmark move for the decentralized finance, real-world asset, and aviation sectors, publicly traded digital asset treasury firm ETHZilla Corporation (Nasdaq: ETHZ) has announced the launch of the Eurus Aero Token 1 – the first tradeable tokenized aviation asset – on Ethereum.

This marks the first time that an institutional-grade aviation asset has been tokenized for tradeable tokenized ownership on a public blockchain.

ETHZilla Launches Eurus Aero Token 1, First Tradeable Tokenized Aviation Asset

The Eurus Aero Token 1 assets are secured by a collateral package featuring two CFM56-7B24 commercial jet engines – considered one of the most reliable and widely used powertrains in the global aerospace industry. ETHZilla acquired the engines for approximately $12.2 million and has already placed them on long-term leases with a leading U.S. air carrier. These leases extending into 2028 offer investors a rare opportunity to gain exposure to a combination of physical asset security and predictable, blockchain-verified cash flows.

The token’s structure marks a departure from traditional “paper-heavy” aviation leasing – an asset class that has historically been the exclusive playground of multi-billion dollar credit funds and private equity firms due to the high entry costs and complex legal frameworks. By fractionalizing the equity in those engines into $100 tokens, with a minimum investment of 10 tokens ($1,000), ETHZilla is effectively democratizing access to institutional aerospace yields.

Token holders are positioned to receive monthly cash distributions in USD derived from the base rent and utility-based payments, often referred to as “power-by-the-hour,” made by the airline lessee. The company is targeting approximately 11% in annual returns for investors who hold Eurus Aero Token 1 through the duration of the lease term.

To ensure the physical integrity of the assets, the engines are serviced by Aero Engine Solutions, an established global maintenance provider. Furthermore, the transaction includes a strategic $3 million “put/call” right for each engine at the conclusion of the lease, providing a clear exit path and potential residual upside for investors.

The launch of Eurus Aero Token I is the first major deployment of ETHZilla’s specialized tokenized finance framework. The move underscores a significant strategic pivot for the company, formerly known as 180 Life Sciences, from a biotech focus to a pure ETH accumulation strategy and institutional RWA infrastructure service.

“This transaction marks an important milestone in our effort to bring real-world, income-producing assets on-chain at institutional scale,” said McAndrew Rudisill, Chairman and CEO of ETHZilla. “Offering a token backed by engines leased to one of the largest U.S. airlines serves as a strong use case in applying blockchain infrastructure to aviation assets with contracted cash flows.“

Eurus Aero Token 1 will be Available to Accredited Investors in $1,000 Lots on the Liquidity.io Exchange

The fractionalized nature of the high-value token allows smaller accredited investors to own a slice of the jet engines owned by ETHZilla. All lease payments and ownership records are verified on the Ethereum network, reducing the paperwork and hurdles of aerospace finance. Unlike traditional private-only aviation funds, which remain vested for years, the Eurus Aero Token 1 is designed to be tradeable on secondary markets.

ETHZilla is facilitating the asset through its aerospace-focused subsidiary, ETHZilla Aerospace LLC, and its investment in Liquidity.io, a regulated brokerage platform. Initially, the token will only be available to accredited investors on the exchange.

As the RWA market on Ethereum, estimated to be valued at over $24 billion, continues to grow, the success of the Eurus Aero Token 1 could serve as a blueprint for how the $400 billion global aviation leasing market would eventually migrate to the blockchain.