Amtrak Cascades will be the first Amtrak-branded service in the country to feature new “Airo” trainsets in 2026, which are part of a larger national Amtrak procurement. On Thursday, the Washington State Department of Department (WSDOT) and Amtrak unveiled of a suite of snazzy new trainset renderings and videos showing the interior and exteriors of the future trainsets. Manufactured by Siemens Mobility, the modern coaches will offer greater comfort and amenities to passengers with panoramic windows, more table seating, USB ports and individual power outlets, and even seatback tablet holders.
The $7.3 billion national purchase order is largely funded by the Federal Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act passed by Congress last year. More than 70 trainsets will be procured, replacing nearly 40% of Amtrak’s fleet by the early 2030s. Trainsets will used on Amtrak’s popular Northeast Corridor and state-sponsored intercity routes.
“As we invest in the future, Amtrak is leading the way with a new era of rail,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said in a statement introducing the Airo. “Our new trains will transform the Amtrak experience with significant environmental benefits, a progressive design and world-class amenities.”
Following yesterday’s announcement, Amtrak put out a brief video showing a standard Airo trainset in motion and offering an inside look.
