Amtrak unveils first Airo train in sweeping fleet overhaul

Amtrak has unveiled the first of its new Airo trains, signalling what the company describes as one of the most extensive fleet renewal programmes in its history as it prepares for further growth in passenger rail demand through 2026 and beyond.

At a preview event, Amtrak President Roger Harris was joined by USDOT Deputy Transportation Secretary and Amtrak Board Member Steve Bradbury, FRA Administrator David Fink and Siemens Mobility North America CEO Tobias Bauer to present the next generation train. The Airo fleet has been developed to enhance the customer experience while reinforcing services across the national network.

Amtrak says the new trains have been designed with passengers in mind, offering increased comfort, improved reliability and modern connectivity. The Airo programme forms a central part of a broader modernisation strategy, aimed at boosting capacity and delivering a more consistent, high-quality experience across multiple corridors.

The first Airo trainsets are scheduled to operate on the Amtrak Cascades route in the Pacific Northwest, linking Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, BC, and Eugene, Oregon. All eight trainsets for the Cascades corridor are expected to complete manufacturing in 2026.

Meanwhile, the Northeast Regional is set to reach a key milestone in 2026, with its first Airo trainsets due to finish production and begin testing. Revenue service on that route is anticipated to begin in 2027.

The launch of the Airo fleet follows the introduction of the NextGen Acela on the Northeast Corridor in August 2025. That service carried more than 60,000 customers in its first month of operation. Together, the two fleets represent a significant shift in Amtrak’s approach, reshaping the travel experience while underpinning long-term expansion plans.

In total, 83 Airo trainsets are planned for deployment on routes nationwide in the years ahead. Once introduced, they are expected to form the backbone of a modernised Amtrak network, increasing capacity, strengthening reliability and improving the overall journey for passengers across the United States.

Image: Amtrak