Loading...What is iAero Protocol?
iAero Protocol is a liquid staking solution for Aerodrome Finance on Base that allows users to earn maximum veAERO voting rewards without locking tokens. The protocol maintains permanently locked veAERO positions in a shared vault while issuing liquid iAERO tokens to depositors.
Traditional veAERO requires locking AERO for up to 4 years to earn voting rewards. iAero eliminates this trade-off by pooling user deposits, maintaining maximum voting power through permanent locks, and distributing 80% of protocol revenue to iAERO stakers. Users receive liquid iAERO tokens they can trade anytime while continuing to earn rewards.
The protocol generates yield from three sources: Aerodrome voting bribes, trading fees from Base’s dominant DEX, and protocol-owned liquidity. iAERO stakers have averaged over 35% APR from actual protocol revenue, not inflationary token emissions. The protocol also launched Token Sweeper, a multi-chain tool that consolidates dust tokens across 9 networks with 0.05% fees.
iAero Protocol Season 1 Airdrop Details
iAero Protocol is distributing 5% of LIQ token’s fully diluted value to iAERO stakers over a 6-month Season 1 campaign. This is a confirmed airdrop with clearly defined mechanics and timeline.
The point system is straightforward: earn 1 point per iAERO staked per day. At the end of Season 1, the 5% LIQ allocation distributes pro-rata based on total points earned. Staking 10,000 iAERO for 180 days generates 1.8 million points, with final allocation determined by the total points across all participants.
There is no minimum stake requirement, no complicated multipliers, and no hidden criteria. The airdrop runs alongside existing staking rewards, meaning participants earn 35%+ APR in real yield while accumulating points. Season 1 launched in early December 2025 and runs for 6 months.
How to Participate in the iAero Protocol Airdrop
Step 1: Acquire AERO Tokens
Purchase AERO tokens from Aerodrome Finance.
Step 2: Visit iAero Protocol
Navigate to iaero.finance and connect your MetaMask or compatible Web3 wallet to the Base network.
Step 3: Mint iAERO Tokens
Choose one of two minting options:
- Deposit AERO: Enter your AERO amount in the deposit interface. You’ll receive iAERO at approximately 0.95:1 ratio (5% deposit fee).
- Deposit veNFT: If you already have a veAERO NFT, deposit it directly to receive iAERO based on your locked amount.
Alternatively, click “Buy iAERO” to purchase iAERO directly from Aerodrome’s liquidity pool.
Step 4: Stake Your iAERO
Navigate to the “Stake” tab, enter the amount of iAERO you want to stake, approve the transaction, and confirm staking. Points begin accumulating immediately.
Step 5: Track Your Progress
Visit Points Status section to monitor your total points, leaderboard position, and days remaining in Season 1.
Step 6: Compound Rewards (Optional)
Claim your staking rewards periodically and use them to mint additional iAERO. Restake the new iAERO to increase your point accumulation rate.
Tips for Maximizing Your iAero Airdrop Allocation
Stake Early: Every day you wait is points you’re not earning. Early participants accumulate more points over the 6-month period.
Compound Regularly: Claim staking rewards weekly and convert them to additional iAERO. Restaking increases your daily point rate for the remaining season.
Monitor Leaderboard: Check your position regularly to understand your relative share of the total point pool. Adjust strategy if needed.
Maximize Capital Efficiency: The 35%+ APR makes this worthwhile independent of the airdrop. Consider your position as yield-generating regardless of LIQ token value.
Stay Staked: Unstaking stops point accumulation. Only unstake if you need the liquidity, as you’ll miss both airdrop points and staking rewards.
Token Sweeper: Additional iAero Product
iAero launched Token Sweeper alongside Season 1, a tool that consolidates dust tokens across multiple wallets into USDC or WETH. The application supports 9 chains: Base, Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, Polygon, BNB Chain, Avalanche, Scroll, and Linea.
Token Sweeper charges a 0.05% fee (5 basis points) and routes swaps through 100+ DEXs via 0x aggregator for optimal pricing. The tool automatically filters spam tokens and honeypots, and simulates all swaps before execution to prevent failed transactions. Access Token Sweeper at sweeper.iaero.finance.
Using Token Sweeper does not directly affect airdrop eligibility but demonstrates the protocol’s broader utility beyond liquid staking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum stake requirement for the airdrop?
No minimum exists. Any amount of staked iAERO earns points. However, smaller positions may find the 5% minting fee reduces overall profitability.
Can I unstake before Season 1 ends?
Yes, iAERO has no lock-up period. Unstaking stops point accumulation but you can re-stake anytime. You’ll still receive rewards for points earned before unstaking.
How is the 35% APR calculated?
APR comes from Aerodrome voting bribes, trading fees, and protocol revenue. Actual rates fluctuate based on Aerodrome’s weekly bribe amounts and protocol performance. Historical rates exceed 35% but aren’t guaranteed.
What happens to my points if I partially unstake?
Points already earned remain. Your daily point rate decreases proportionally to the amount unstaked. Remaining staked iAERO continues earning at the standard 1 point per token per day.
When will LIQ tokens be distributed?
Distribution occurs after Season 1 concludes in approximately 6 months (mid-2026). Exact distribution date will be announced as the season nears completion.
Do I need to vote manually while staking?
No. iAero’s automated voting system handles all gauge voting, reward claiming, and position management. Your only action is staking iAERO.
Conclusion
iAero Protocol’s Season 1 offers a straightforward airdrop opportunity: stake iAERO, earn points daily, and receive a pro-rata share of 5% LIQ supply. The simple 1 point per token per day mechanic makes calculation transparent.
The airdrop serves as bonus upside to already-attractive staking yields exceeding 35% APR from protocol revenue. Early participants who stake larger amounts for longer periods will capture the largest airdrop allocations. Track your progress on the leaderboard and compound rewards to maximize your position before Season 1 concludes.
Visit iaero.finance to start staking and app.iaero.finance/status to monitor your progress.
You're interested in more projects that do not have any token yet and could potentially airdrop a governance token to early users in the future? Then check out our list of potential retroactive airdrops to not miss out on the next DeFi airdrop!
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n/a
Tokens per Claim
n/a
Max. Participants
Unlimited
