Amtrak’s new Airo trains will enter passenger service on the Amtrak Cascades route on 30 September, marking the national debut of the next-generation fleet in the Pacific Northwest.
The first two trainsets will operate four daily services linking Vancouver, British Columbia, Seattle, Portland and Eugene, Oregon. More trains are expected to join the route in phases through early 2027 as the existing Cascades fleet is replaced.
Amtrak Airo trains to make Pacific Northwest debut
Each trainset will carry more than 300 passengers and feature panoramic windows, redesigned seating with adjustable headrests, larger tray tables, tablet holders and updated lighting.
Passengers will also have access to free Wi-Fi, individual power outlets and USB ports, as well as digital information displays. Accessibility improvements include dedicated seating, automated steps, wider facilities and touchless controls in six restrooms.
A redesigned café car will offer a food and drink menu developed for the Pacific Northwest, while the trains’ evergreen, cream and mocha colour scheme has been created specifically for the Cascades route. The design includes imagery inspired by the Cascade mountain range.
The four services scheduled to use the new trains on launch day are train 503 from Seattle to Eugene, train 516 from Seattle to Vancouver, train 508 from Eugene to Seattle and train 519 from Vancouver to Seattle.
Amtrak has ordered eight Airo trainsets for the corridor, along with two locomotives and a spare cab car. The equipment is being manufactured in the United States by Siemens Mobility, using components supplied by almost 100 companies across 31 states.
“The arrival of the new Airo fleet marks an exciting moment for the Amtrak Cascades and passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest,” said Amtrak interim president Byl Herrmann.
“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.”
The Cascades service is the first route in the United States to receive the Airo trains. Amtrak plans to introduce a total of 83 trainsets across its network, with the Northeast Regional expected to be the next major route to receive them and an initial launch planned for late 2027.
As further Cascades trainsets complete testing and certification, they will gradually enter service and replace the route’s current equipment.
