AirTrunk, the Australian data center company purchased by Blackstone Inc. for AU$24 billion ($16 billion) last year, plans to expand into India due to strong demand in the sector. According to founder and CEO Robin Khuda, India’s 1.5 billion population with a digitally active younger generation presents a significant opportunity for growth.
AirTrunk has already closed a AU$16 billion refinancing deal in August to build or maintain centers in Australia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. The company asserts there is enough demand in Asia for its services, despite CEO Stephen Schwarzman’s warning about potential electricity shortages.
The investment company Blackstone, which owns AirTrunk, has made significant investments in India, with almost 40% of its $50 billion in India investments directed towards Maharashtra. AirTrunk will join existing data center projects in Australia and Saudi Arabia, working with companies like Humain in Saudi Arabia to develop facilities for AI operations.
AirTrunk’s expansions could alter the digital infrastructure map across Asia and the Middle East, offering AI, cloud data processing, and scale capacity through massive facilities. Despite challenges such as energy supply and competition, investors are confident of long-term growth due to the large and diverse market demand.
Source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/airtrunk-to-build-data-center-in-india