USDOT, Partners, Elected Officials Applaud Debut of Amtrak Airo Trains

Amtrak introduced its new Airo trainsets into passenger service Sept. 30 on the Amtrak Cascades route, making the Pacific Northwest the first region in North America to welcome the fleet. Two trainsets began operating four daily trips on the corridor linking Vancouver, BC; Seattle, WA; and Portland and Eugene, OR.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the rollout “represents hundreds of American jobs that poured countless hours into building trainsets that commuters and tourists will enjoy across the Pacific Northwest for decades to come.”

Amtrak Interim President Byl Herrmann said the milestone is an important step in the railroad’s “broader effort to modernize and expand passenger rail across the country.” Amtrak ordered eight Airo trainsets for Cascades, along with two new locomotives and a spare cab car. Additional trainsets will ultimately replace the route’s existing fleet.

Each trainset features more than 300 seats, with panoramic windows, adjustable headrests, complimentary Wi-Fi, individual power outlets and USB-C ports, and digital passenger information displays. Accessibility improvements include automated steps, enhanced wayfinding, and six spacious restrooms with touchless controls.

“These new Amtrak Cascades trains are a game-changer for rail travel in the Pacific Northwest,” said Washington State DOT Secretary Julie Meredith. “They bring improved reliability, comfort, and amenities to one of the most scenic rail corridors in the country.”

Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, emphasized the fleet’s benefits for local communities and the need for continued investment. “The new trains on the local Amtrak route are better for the environment and keep people and the economy moving in Northwest Washington,” Larsen said. “The next step from here is to get more dollars to expand this great service in Northwest Washington and the entire United States.”

AtkinsRéalis, which has served as Washington State DOT’s technical advisor since 2019, says the new fleet increases passenger capacity by 40 percent. The firm supported fleet replacement planning, procurement, design review, and evaluation of testing results.

Sergio Callen, vice president, national rail and transit sector manager at AtkinsRéalis said, “We are proud to have supported a project that expands passenger rail capacity, improves accessibility, and strengthens transportation connections for communities across the region.”

Siemens Mobility manufactured the Airo trainsets in the United States, incorporating components from nearly 100 suppliers across 31 states. Tobias Bauer, CEO of Siemens Mobility North America, said, “Airo represents the next level for American passenger rail, built on a proven platform that combines innovation, comfort, and accessibility.”

The Cascades debut is the first step in Amtrak’s national Airo rollout. The next planned deployment is on the Northeast Regional, with a service launch planned for late 2027.