July 13, 2026
Sixth Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset Departs for Testing
The post Sixth Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset Departs for Testing appeared first on Amtrak Media.
Amtrak Airo
Program Status
In Testing
Six Cascades Airo trainsets have completed testing in Pueblo, CO. Two trainsets have been accepted by Amtrak and four additional trainsets are currently undergoing testing and commissioning.
The first dual-propulsion Airo trainset, which will be the first to operate on the Northeast Corridor, has been delivered to the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, CO, to begin testing.
Quick Facts
Estimated Program Completion
- First train enters service in 2026 on Amtrak Cascades route
- Final train enters service in 2031/2032
Benefits
- Replacing 40 to 50-year-old passenger railcars with state-of-the-art trainsets
- Dual power engines providing faster turnaround and improved trip times
- Spacious seating
- Improved accessibility and onboard lifts for passengers using mobility devices
Manufacturer
Siemens Mobility Inc. (Manufactured in Sacramento, CA and Lexington, NC)
Other Suppliers: 3500 parts manufactured by nearly 100 suppliers across 31 states.
States Served
Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, Washington
Latest Milestones
First two trainsets have been accepted
First dual propulsion trainset (first one that will run on the Northeast Corridor) has been sent to the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, CO to begin testing.
Upcoming Milestones
First trainset enters revenue service on Amtrak Cascades route in 2026.
Funding Sources
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
- Program Total Cost: $3.909B
Program Partners
USDOT Federal Railroad Administration; State Partners; SAIPRC; Amtrak
The Airo state partners are: Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans), Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA), Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
Amtrak is elevating the customer experience by introducing new Amtrak Airo trains with a focus on safety, passenger comfort, and reliability.
Amtrak Airo will provide improved passengers amenities, including modern comfortable seating, spacious restrooms and a contemporary food service experience, among other improvements to better serve all Amtrak customers.
In addition to the Northeast Regional, the new trains will operate on other routes including the Empire Service, Amtrak Virginia, Keystone Service, Downeaster, Amtrak Cascades, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express and Adirondack.
Key Features
Improved Trip Times
The new trains will operate at speeds up to 125 mph and will eliminate engine changes, resulting in reduced downtime in DC and other stations near where time-consuming locomotive changes were previously required.
Spacious Seating
Each spacious seat prioritizes ergonomics, offers enhanced comfort with plenty of legroom, bigger and sturdier tray tables, moveable headrests and a dedicated cup and seatback tablet-holder. Contoured seat cushions, enhanced leg room, individual arm rests and adjustable headrests – all with a focus on ergonomics.
Improved Accessibility
The new trains will have improved accessibility for passengers with spacious and accessible restrooms and vestibules, accessible café cars and wheelchair lifts for passengers using mobility devices and wheelchairs. Amtrak Airo trains will come with inductive hearing technology to assist with onboard announcements.
Amenities
Features enhanced lighting, improved technology with digital customer information systems and touchless restroom controls, dedicated individual outlets, USB ports and onboard Wi-Fi.
Business Class
Choice of double and single seats offer customers greater flexibility. Amenities: Features enhanced lighting, improved technology with digital customer information systems and touchless restroom controls, dedicated individual outlets, USB ports and onboard Wi-Fi. Choice of double and single seats offer customers greater flexibility.
Latest Updates
June 16, 2026
Bringing the First Northeast Regional Airo Trainset to Life
The post Bringing the First Northeast Regional Airo Trainset to Life appeared first on Amtrak Media.
May 28, 2026
First Northeast Regional Airo Trainset Completes Manufacturing
The post First Northeast Regional Airo Trainset Completes Manufacturing appeared first on Amtrak Media.
May 17, 2026
One Trainset, Three Testing Stages, and a Big Step Forward for Amtrak Cascades
The post One Trainset, Three Testing Stages, and a Big Step Forward for Amtrak Cascades appeared first on Amtrak Media.