Amtrak's Airo trains to debut on Cascades route this month

The Amtrak Cascades will become the first route in the nation to introduce the new Airo trainsets into passenger service, with the new trainsets slated to enter service on Sept. 30.

Two trainsets operating four daily trips will mark the first phase of Airo’s introduction between Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle; Portland and Eugene, Oregon. An additional six trainsets will enter service through early 2027, ultimately replacing the existing Amtrak Cascades fleet.

The new trainsets feature a distinctive evergreen, cream and mocha color palette along with design elements inspired by the Cascade mountain range, Amtrak officials said in a press release. Airo trainsets operating on other routes will reflect Amtrak’s national red, white and blue branding.

“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. “This is an important milestone not only for Amtrak Cascades customers, but for Amtrak’s broader effort to modernize and expand passenger rail across the country.”

The next planned Airo deployment is on the Northeast Regional route, where the first trainset has begun testing. Additional trainsets remain in production ahead of a planned service launch in late 2027, Amtrak officials said.

Airo trainsets are manufactured by Siemens Mobility and incorporate components from nearly 100 suppliers across 31 states.

The new trainsets feature ergonomically designed seating with adjustable headrests, panoramic windows, enhanced lighting and modern interiors; complimentary Wi-Fi, individual power outlets and USB ports, and digital customer information displays; and accessible seating, automated steps, enhanced wayfinding and six spacious restrooms with touchless controls.