Amtrak has begun introducing its new Airo trainsets on the Amtrak Cascades route between Vancouver, Seattle, Portland and Eugene, making the Pacific Northwest the first in the country to receive the new fleet as part of a national rollout.
Amtrak has begun introducing its new Airo trainsets on the Amtrak Cascades route, with customers able to experience the fleet from 30 September as the operator’s newest trains enter passenger service for the first time in the country. Two trainsets, operating four daily trips, will begin carrying customers on launch day, marking the first phase of Airo’s introduction between Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Portland and Eugene, Oregon. Additional trainsets will enter service through early 2027, bringing more seats, modern amenities, enhanced accessibility and a refreshed onboard experience to more customers.
Amtrak Interim President Byl Herrmann said: “The arrival of the new Airo fleet marks an exciting moment for the Amtrak Cascades and passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest. After extensive planning, design, manufacturing and testing, we’re just weeks away from welcoming customers aboard. This is an important milestone not only for Amtrak Cascades customers, but for Amtrak’s broader effort to modernise and expand passenger rail across the country.”
Trainsets designed for the Pacific Northwest
The new trainsets feature the signature Amtrak Cascades evergreen, cream and mocha colour palette, with design elements inspired by the Cascade mountain range. Chris Warner, interim director of the Oregon Department of Transportation, said: “Oregon continues to reach record train ridership, and we are proud to partner with Amtrak to bring their new trains to the Pacific Northwest. Amtrak Cascades offers Oregonians and visitors a chance to leave I-5 traffic behind and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.”
Julie Meredith, WSDOT Secretary, said: “These new Amtrak Cascades trains are a game-changer for rail travel in the Pacific Northwest. They bring improved reliability, comfort, and amenities to one of the most scenic rail corridors in the country. We’re particularly excited to be the first in the nation to introduce these new trains into service.”
Onboard, customers will find more than 300 seats per trainset, with ergonomically designed seating, adjustable headrests, panoramic windows and enhanced lighting, alongside complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, USB ports and digital customer information displays. Accessibility features include accessible seating throughout, automated steps, enhanced wayfinding and six restrooms with touchless controls, along with a refreshed cafe offering food and beverages inspired by the Pacific Northwest.
Amtrak has ordered eight Airo trainsets for the Cascades route, along with two new locomotives and a spare cab car, with Airo set to eventually replace the existing fleet as further trainsets enter service.
National rollout to follow Pacific Northwest launch
Future Airo trainsets on other routes will carry Amtrak’s national red, white and blue branding while retaining the fleet’s defining features. The next planned deployment is on the Northeast Regional, where the first trainset has completed production and begun testing, ahead of a service launch in late 2027.
The trainsets are manufactured in the United States by Siemens Mobility, incorporating components from nearly 100 suppliers across 31 states. Tobias Bauer, CEO of Siemens Mobility North America, said: “When the first Airo trainsets welcome passengers later this month, it will mark the start of a journey that extends far beyond the Pacific Northwest. Airo represents the next level for American passenger rail, built on a proven platform that combines innovation, comfort, and accessibility.”
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