Amtrak is rolling out new Airo trains this summer across multiple routes

The new trains, known as Airo, are part of an $8 billion order for 83 trains built by Siemens in California, and represent the largest fleet replacement since Amtrak was founded in 1971. According to multiple reports.

“These trains represent the next step in Amtrak’s modernization of our entire fleet,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said at the fleet introduction ceremony. He added: “America made it here in America for Americans.”

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The overhaul comes amid record ridership for Amtrak, with 34.5 million passenger trips in 2025, the company announced late last year. The new trains are intended to modernize service across several major corridors, starting in the Pacific Northwest.

The first Airo trains will debut on the Amtrak Cascades route in the Pacific Northwest before expanding to additional lanes. (Amtrak)

The first Airo trains are expected to enter service this summer on Amtrak’s Cascades route, which runs between Seattle; Portland, Oregon; Vancouver, British Columbia; and Eugene, Oregon. Eight train sets have been specified for the Cascades.

Additional Airo trains will eventually operate on East Coast routes, including busy routes northeast regional line, Testing is expected to begin later this year and passenger service is expected to begin in 2027.

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For travellers, the most noticeable changes will be inside the cars.

Instead of tilting back, the new seats move forward as they adjust, a design that has received mixed early reviews. (Amtrak)

Redesigned interiors feature larger windows, brighter lighting and overhead digital displays displaying track information. Each seat will include a standard power outlet and a USB-C port, as well as individual reading lights, adjustable headrests and larger tray tables, according to a press release.

On the bus, seats are arranged on each side of the aisle Business degree It has a two-and-one layout with wider seats and more legroom.

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Instead of tilting back in the traditional sense, the new seats slide forward while changing their angle, a design that has drawn mixed reactions from some early reviewers.

“Unfortunately, instead of reclining, the bottom of the seats slide forward similar to those on NextGen Acela trains.” Review by The Points Guy male. “This results in less legroom when reclining, and some taller travelers may find it uncomfortable.”

Redesigned interiors feature larger windows, brighter lighting and digital track information displays. (Amtrak)

“The thing I was disappointed about but then kind of reassured about was the reclining seats,” Alan Fisher, a rail and public transit content creator, said in an article. YouTube video After the train tour.

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Fisher also highlighted the expanded overhead storage space.

“We were surprised that we had to fight for … overhead bin space,” he said.

Accessibility upgrades are another key element of the redesign. The trains will include built-in wheelchair lifts, wider aisles in select cars, accessible cafe cars, and restrooms large enough for wheelchair users to turn around.

The Airo fleet represents the largest train replacement program since Amtrak’s founding in 1971. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Trains will continue to operate at speeds of up to 125mph, meaning they are not rated as High-speed rail. However, Amtrak officials say some routes could see time savings because the new locomotives can switch between diesel and electric power without having to change the engine.

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However, the new fleet is designed to expand capacity. On the Cascades route, each Aero train will seat up to 300 passengers, compared to about 168 seats in current equipment, according to reports.

Amtrak has not announced any fare increases associated with the launch of the Airo fleet, but some customers are concerned that the new, upscale look and amenities could mean it will be more expensive. According to TheTravel.com.

Amtrak’s new Airo trains will begin service this summer. (Al Drago/Getty Images)

One netizen speculated, “Given the size and space of these seats coupled with the upscale appearance, the cost of the trip must be high for the train to cover its costs.”

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Amtrak said part of the funding for the new fleet comes from the federal Infrastructure and Jobs Investment Act.

This launch follows Amtrak’s debut of NextGen Acela trains on the Northeast Corridor in 2025, reflecting a broader effort to modernize aging equipment across its national network.