Why AirTrunk Is Tipping AI Data Centre Boom to Fire Up Australian Bond Market
Australian Financial Review
ENRICHED
Details
- Date Published
- 18 Feb 2026
- Priority Score
- 2
- Australian
- Yes
- Created
- 18 Feb 2026, 11:30 am
Description
Local investors are bracing for a wave of tech industry debt issuances in Australian dollars after a decade-long drought as hyperscalers scramble for financing.
Summary
The article highlights AirTrunk’s initiative to tap into the Australian corporate bond market, marking a significant development for the data center sector amidst a growing demand for AI-driven infrastructure. The move reflects a broader trend as technology firms seek financing to support expansive AI capabilities, pointing to a future where AI enterprises might increasingly rely on local debt markets for capital. While noteworthy for the financial markets, the article doesn't delve into the specific risks AI poses but underscores the economic influence of AI advancements. There's no direct discussion on AI safety, existential risks, or governance frameworks, focusing instead on financial aspects within Australia’s context.
Body
MarketsDebt MarketsBondsPrint articleGus McCubbing and Jonathan ShapiroFeb 18, 2026 – 8.00pmAirTrunk is preparing to tap Australia’s corporate bond market in a first for the fast-growing data centre sector, and as investors brace for a flood of artificial intelligence businesses to raise debt locally.The Blackstone-owned data centre operator, which is valued at over $24 billion, has been sounding out international and Australian investors with plans to issue asset-backed securities in the first half of this year as it moves to expand its debt funding options beyond the major banks.Loading...Gus McCubbing is a markets reporter in the Melbourne newsroom. He was previously the Australian Financial Review’s Victorian political correspondent. Connect with Gus on Twitter. Email Gus at gus.mccubbing@afr.comJonathan Shapiro writes about banking and finance, specialising in hedge funds, corporate debt, private equity and investment banking. He is based in Sydney. Connect with Jonathan on Twitter. Email Jonathan at jonathan.shapiro@afr.comSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreBondsAIData centresGoogleAmazonFacebookMicrosoftAppleFetching latest articles