ETHZilla Launches Aviation Token on Ethereum

Two jet engines on stands beside a digital token coin with circuit pattern and a rising arrow chart on blue background.

ETHZilla Launches Aviation-Backed Token – Jet Engine Lease Payments Tokenized on Ethereum Layer 2

Key Takeaways

ETHZilla has launched Eurus Aero Token I, backed by two commercial jet engines leased to a US air carrier.
The engines were acquired for approximately 12.2 million dollars, with tokens priced at 100 dollars each and a minimum purchase of 10 tokens.
The investment targets annual returns of about 11 percent over lease terms running through 2027 and 2028.
The tokens are issued on Ethereum Layer 2 networks and distributed via the Liquidityio platform.
The offering is limited to accredited investors.

ETHZilla Introduces Eurus Aero Token I Backed by Active Jet Engine Leases

ETHZilla Corporation, listed on Nasdaq under the ticker ETHZ, has launched a tokenized aviation product called Eurus Aero Token I. The asset is backed by two commercial jet engines that are currently in operation with a US air carrier. The company acquired the engines for approximately 12.2 million dollars.

The token gives investors exposure to lease payments generated by the engines. According to the company, lease payments are collected on a monthly basis and distributed to token holders. The lease agreements run through 2027 and 2028, and the product targets annual returns of around 11 percent over that period.

The specific airline operating the engines has not been publicly named due to contractual restrictions. However, a person familiar with the matter confirmed to The Defiant that the carrier is described as one of the largest and most profitable airlines.

Token Structure and Distribution on Ethereum Layer 2

Eurus Aero Token I is issued on Ethereum Layer 2 networks and distributed through the Liquidityio platform. Each token is priced at 100 dollars, with a minimum investment of 10 tokens. The offering is limited to accredited investors.

ETHZilla stated that the engines are not financed with debt and that it does not plan to use borrowing to enhance returns for this product. The structure is designed around defined lease terms, creating an income oriented investment tied directly to the performance of the underlying aviation assets.

By using tokenization technology, ETHZilla aims to provide access to an asset class that has traditionally been available primarily to large institutions and private investment funds. According to CEO McAndrew Rudisill, jet engine leasing has historically required institutional scale capital and specialized market access.

Launch Comes Amid Growth in Tokenized Real World Assets

The launch takes place against a backdrop of increasing activity in tokenized real world assets, or RWAs. Data from RWAxyz shows that distributed asset value has risen to 23.87 billion dollars, representing an increase of nearly 11 percent over the past 30 days. During the same period, the value of underlying RWAs represented on chain increased by more than 8 percent to 21.41 billion dollars.

The number of asset holders also grew significantly, reaching 835,179, a 34 percent increase month over month. These figures indicate expanding participation in tokenized asset markets, spanning both crypto native participants and traditional finance entities experimenting with on chain representations of income generating assets.

In this context, ETHZilla positions its aviation token as part of a broader effort to structure defined income products using blockchain infrastructure. The company states that its objective is to provide direct exposure to institutional grade assets through tokenization, within the boundaries of securities regulations that limit participation to accredited investors.

Pipeline Includes Manufactured Home Loans and Other Asset Classes

Beyond aviation leasing, ETHZilla has outlined plans to tokenize additional asset classes. The company recently acquired a portfolio of manufactured and modular home loans and intends to bring these assets on chain next.

According to Rudisill, manufactured home loans represent an approximately 14 billion dollar market. He described the segment as a high yield, high quality asset class that has historically been accessible only to a limited number of private lenders. By tokenizing such loans, ETHZilla aims to broaden investor access while facilitating financing for manufactured housing.

Further potential areas under consideration include auto loans and commercial real estate, along with other income generating products. These initiatives form part of ETHZilla’s broader strategy following its rebranding in August 2025.

Corporate Background and Market Reaction

ETHZilla Corporation was formerly known as 180 Life Sciences. In August 2025, the company rebranded to focus on building an Ethereum based treasury and developing decentralized finance strategies. As of the latest available data cited by The Defiant, the company holds 69,802 ETH, valued at approximately 148.4 million dollars according to CoinGecko.

Following the announcement of the aviation token, ETHZ shares were trading at 3.40 dollars, up about 5 percent on the day. The product launch aligns with the company’s stated strategy of combining an Ethereum treasury position with tokenized income generating assets.

Our Assessment

ETHZilla’s launch of Eurus Aero Token I introduces a tokenized structure tied to active jet engine lease payments, with defined lease terms through 2027 and 2028 and a targeted annual return of about 11 percent. The product is issued on Ethereum Layer 2 networks, distributed via Liquidityio, and limited to accredited investors. The move comes during a period of measurable growth in tokenized real world assets, as reflected in rising on chain asset values and holder numbers. In addition to aviation leasing, ETHZilla has signaled plans to tokenize manufactured home loans and other income generating asset classes as part of its Ethereum focused corporate strategy.