Amtrak, in joint partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), formally unveiled the first production-ready Amtrak Airo trainset on Friday, ushering in the most significant rolling stock modernization in the Pacific Northwest in over three decades.
Manufactured at Siemens Mobility's solar-powered facility in Sacramento, California, the Amtrak Airo fleet is scheduled to enter revenue passenger service on the popular Amtrak Cascades corridor, linking Vancouver, British Columbia, Seattle, Portland, and Eugene.
Next-Generation Comfort and Panoramic Travel
Passengers aboard the Airo trainsets will experience a redesigned interior centered on comfort and connectivity. Features include panoramic windows optimized for Puget Sound sightseeing, spacious seating with contour-molded cushions, dedicated personal tray tables, individual power and USB-C outlets, and high-speed satellite Wi-Fi.
The cafe car has been transformed into a modern bistro-style lounge offering self-service grab-and-go selections, regional Pacific Northwest craft beers, artisan coffees, and cashless checkout kiosks.
“The Amtrak Airo heralds a new era for passenger rail in America. These trainsets will transform the travel experience between Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver with world-class comfort and sustainability.”
Greener Dual-Power Engineering and Route Rollout
Engineered for environmental sustainability, the trainsets employ dual-power hybrid propulsion capable of operating seamlessly on electrified tracks or utilizing advanced Tier 4 diesel-electric generators. The new systems cut nitrogen oxide and particulate emissions by up to 90% while achieving operational top speeds of 125 mph.
Funded primarily through the Federal Railroad Administration's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Amtrak has ordered 83 Airo trainsets nationwide to replace aging Amfleet equipment across Northeast and Midwest routes, with the Pacific Northwest serving as the premier showcase.
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