Amtrak Unveils New Airo Trains Set to Enter Service
Amtrak is set to enhance travel experiences with the introduction of their new Airo trains. These state-of-the-art locomotives will commence operations during the summer of 2025 on the Cascades route, which connects Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada.
Features of the New Airo Trains
The Airo trains promise significant upgrades for passengers. They will feature modern seating, aircraft-like amenities, and high-speed 5G Wi-Fi. Mike Jenkins, the passenger rail equipment manager at the Oregon Department of Transportation, heralded the Airo trains as a substantial improvement for riders.
Onboard Amenities
- Coach class includes three dedicated cars with a standard 2-2 seating layout.
- Each seat is equipped with individual reading lights, standard outlets, and USB-C ports.
- Business class features a 1-2 seating arrangement with wider seats and footrests.
- Both classes provide overhead luggage compartments and sliding seat mechanisms.
While the seating offers modern comforts, some passengers may find the sliding seat design less accommodating for legroom.
Deployment Schedule and Expansion Plans
Amtrak has ordered a total of 83 Airo trains, with the first eight designated for the Cascades. The remaining 75 units will operate primarily on East Coast routes beginning in 2027. These routes include the Northeast Regional service and several state-sponsored lines stretching from Maine to Georgia.
East Coast Train Characteristics
The interior configurations on the East Coast Airo trains will mirror those of their Cascades counterparts, with color scheme variations. According to Celia Ann Pfleckl, leader of the Airo program, testing for these trains is scheduled to begin later this year.
A Growing Ridership and Improved Capacity
The introduction of the Airo trains occurs alongside a period of immense growth for Amtrak. In 2025, ridership reached a record 34.5 million. This increase is attributed to several factors, including new routes and the performance of existing services.
Each Airo train is designed to accommodate up to 300 passengers, a notable increase from the current capacity of 168 on existing models. Jason Biggs, from the Washington State Department of Transportation, expressed optimism that these enhancements will drive ridership on the Cascades route beyond 1 million annually.
Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to modernize its fleet through the Airo and NextGen Acela trains positions the railroad for a promising future.
