13th February, 2026 – ETHZilla, a Nasdaq-listed company focused on real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, launched Eurus Aero Token I. It is the world’s first token backed by a real jet engine. The token gives accredited investors fractional ownership in two leased CFM56 engines worth $12.2 million, allowing them to earn steady aviation lease income through Ethereum Layer 2.
High Signal Summary For A Quick Glance
- Launches the first tokenized jet engine backed by $12.2M in active lease assets.
- Aviation leasing operations continue normally, with blockchain improving transparency and efficiency.
- Strengthens Ethereum’s position as the leading chain for real-world asset tokenization.
- Creates a blueprint for tokenizing other high-value physical assets beyond finance and real estate.
- Accredited investors: Gain fractional access to jet-engine lease income streams.
- Ethereum holders: Benefit indirectly from increased on-chain RWA activity and settlement demand.
- Institutions & funds: Add aviation-backed yield products to diversified portfolios.
- RWA builders & airlines: Unlock new financing and tokenization pathways for capital-intensive assets.
Shift Toward Real-World Asset Tokenization
In January 2026, ETHZilla moved away from crypto treasury management and began focusing on tokenizing real-world assets (RWAs). As part of this shift, it launched Eurus Aero Token I, the first token backed by a jet engine. The company bought two CFM56 engines for about $12.2 million and leased them to a major U.S. airline, giving accredited investors fractional access to steady aviation leasing income through Ethereum Layer 2 networks.
Although this is the first jet engine tokenization, other assets like real estate and U.S. Treasuries have been tokenized since 2021. Growth picked up in 2024 and 2025, with products like BlackRock’s BUIDL fund quickly crossing $500 million in assets. By late 2025, the RWA market had expanded to over $35 billion, showing strong institutional interest in bringing traditional assets on-chain.
Key milestones in ETHZilla’s pivot from biotech to Ethereum treasury and RWA tokenization
Initial acquisition agreement
Then operating as 180 Life Sciences Corp., the company signs an asset purchase agreement with Elray Resources, marking its shift away from biotech.
Rebrand and Ethereum treasury strategy
The company rebrands to ETHZilla and begins trading on Nasdaq under ETHZ, adopting an Ethereum treasury strategy and acquiring 94,675 ETH (≈$411M at the time).
$40M ETH sale for share buybacks
ETHZilla sells roughly $40M worth of ETH to fund share buybacks and support the stock amid heightened market volatility.
Pivot toward RWA tokenization
The company shifts its focus from primarily holding crypto to building around real-world asset tokenization.
Tokenized jet engine product launched
ETHZilla launches Eurus Aero Token I, a token backed by leased jet engines valued at about $12.2M.
Comparison with Other RWA Projects
ETHZilla’s Eurus Aero Token I is the first token backed by a jet engine, making it different from most RWA projects. Many platforms focus on real estate or U.S. Treasuries, but ETHZilla offers exposure to leased aviation equipment. Investors earn from jet engine lease income, with projected yields of 11–16.5%, tied to physical machinery instead of property or government bonds.
Other projects, like those focused on invoice financing or supply chain assets, usually offer shorter-term returns. ETHZilla’s model is built around longer-term lease agreements, aiming for steady cash flow through 2028. While early market response has been positive, competitive yields will be key as the broader on-chain RWA market continues to grow.
What Readers Should Watch Next
- Token Adoption Metrics: Track investor inflows and trading volume for the Eurus Aero Token I in the coming weeks, as early adoption could signal broader interest in aviation RWAs and influence ETHZilla’s market cap.
- ETHZ Stock Performance: Monitor Nasdaq-listed ETHZ shares for price movements post-launch, potentially rallying if the tokenization draws institutional buyers or partnerships with airlines.
- Regulatory Updates: Watch for responses from the SEC or FAA on tokenized physical assets, as approvals or restrictions could accelerate or hinder similar RWA innovations in high-value industries.
- Further Asset Tokenizations: Keep an eye on ETHZilla’s announcements for expansions beyond jet engines, such as tokenizing aircraft or other machinery, which might inspire competitors in the $35B+ RWA space.
