After 40 Years, Amtrak Is Rolling Out A New Generation Of Faster, California-Made Trains In 2026

Here’s Where They’ll Deploy First

Amtrak‘s new Airo Fleet is expected to begin service on the Amtrak Cascades in 2026, as the first of 83 Airo transets planned for deployment throughout the United States.

Amtrak is about to roll out the first Airo trainsets, a new fleet of modernized trains with faster travel times, spacious seating, and better amenities.

Travelers in the Pacific Northwest will have the first opportunity to enjoy the new trains as part of the Amtrak Cascades route. Rollout begins this year, with a total of 83 trainsets eventually planned for deployment across the nation.

The new Amtrak Airo Fleet is manufactured at Siemens facilities in Sacramento, California, as part of a multi-billion-dollar contract. The original plan to manufacture 73 trainsets was later increased to 83, and trainsets have already left Sacramento to begin testing in their respective corridors.

Here’s a closer look…

Amtrak Airo cafe — Amtrak Airo Cascades train. Photo courtesy of Amtrak.

Features of the new Airo Fleet

Amtrak Airo promises a range of upgraded features and amenities.

Modern, spacious interiors with panoramic windows
Better fuel efficiency with 90% less particulate emissions in diesel operations
Reduced travel times with speeds up to 125 mph and the elimination of engine changes
Improved accessibility for restrooms, vestibules, cafe cars, and wheelchair lifts
Contemporary cafe car with self-service options
Upgraded signage that is cleaner, accessible, and color-coded
Spacious seating with better ergonomics, sturdier tray tables, moveable headrests, and cup and seatback tablet-holder
Choice of double and single seats in Business Class
Enhanced lighting, touchless restroom controls, dedicated individual outlets and USB ports, and onboard Wi-Fi

Amtrak Airo train interior — Amtrak Airo Cascades train. Photo courtesy of Amtrak.

Deploying Amtrak Airo

According to a press release, the first Airo trainsets, which were revealed at a preview event on February 10th, are due to enter service on the Amtrak Cascades route in 2026. Cascades serves the Pacific Northwest corridor, connecting Seattle, Portland, Vancouver, and Eugene.

Trainsets for the Northeast Regional will also complete production in 2026, with revenue service likely to begin in 2027. This route serves Boston, Providence, NYC, Philadelphia, DC, and more major stops throughout the entire Northeast Corridor.

Exterior of Amtrak Airo Cascades train. — Amtrak Airo Cascades train. Photo courtesy of Amtrak.

Here is the full list of Amtrak routes where Airo transets will eventually be deployed in the coming years, replacing the system’s 40-to-50-year-old trains.