Crypto treasury firm ETHZilla has introduced a new token tied to commercial aviation assets, marking a decisive shift from its previous crypto accumulation strategy. The company unveiled Eurus Aero Token I, a digital token backed by two commercial jet engines leased to a leading U.S. airline.
ETHZilla priced each token at $100 and set a minimum purchase of 10 tokens. The company targets an 11% return for investors who hold the token through the full lease term, which extends into 2028. Through this structure, ETHZilla aims to combine blockchain infrastructure with predictable cash flows from real-world aviation assets.
From Biotech to Crypto to Aviation Assets
ETHZilla previously operated as 180 Life Sciences Corp, a clinical-stage biotech firm. In July, the company pivoted into a crypto treasury model, acquiring and holding Ether during a wave of similar strategies across public markets.
Now, CEO McAndrew Rudisill is steering the company toward tokenized infrastructure assets. He said the jet engine-backed token modernizes fractional ownership in markets traditionally dominated by private equity and institutional credit.
ETHZilla purchased the two jet engines in January for $12.2 million after selling part of its Ether holdings. The firm plans to expand its tokenization program into other asset classes, including home loans and auto loans.
Tokenization Strategy Gains Momentum
ETHZilla’s move aligns with predictions from crypto executives who expect tokenized real-world assets to expand sharply in 2026. Analysts at RWA.xyz have estimated that this real-world assets exceeds $24 billion, and it is distributed amongst over 846,000 holders.
Industry analysts also note that aviation leases offer a stable cash flow backed by a contract. Market research from PwC suggests that tokenization could unlock trillions in traditionally illiquid assets over the next decade by improving transparency and accessibility.
By tokenizing leased jet engines, ETHZilla seeks to attract investors who want exposure to tangible assets without direct operational risk. Blockchain-based fractional ownership removes barriers such as high minimum capital requirements and complex custody arrangements.
Ether Holdings Shrink as Strategy Evolves
ETHZilla’s transition comes as its Ether holdings decline from earlier highs. In a September SEC filing, the company reported holding 102,246 ETH at an average acquisition price of roughly $3,948. At that time, the holdings carried a valuation of about $443 million.
Recent estimates vary. Strategic Ether reserve trackers list ETHZilla as holding more than 93,000 ETH, valued above $188 million. Meanwhile, CoinGecko data suggests a smaller holding of approximately 69,802 ETH, worth around $136 million.
Ether has range-traded between $1,872 and $2,130 over the week, in line with the broader crypto market volatility. In this regard, ETHZilla would be vesting tokenized assets as a stabilizing revenue source to reduce reliance on crypto treasury exposure.
A Calculated Pivot
ETHZilla’s aviation token offering therefore represents a strategic step away from speculative crypto accumulation. The anchoring of blockchain tokens to contracted aviation leases merges traditional asset finance with decentralized technology.
If this were to succeed, it could position ETHZilla as a hybrid player between digital assets and institutional-grade real-world investments.
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