The third of eight Airo trainsets for Amtrak Cascades service is heading from the Siemens Mobility plant in Sacramento, Calif., to the Northeast Corridor (NEC), where it will undergo testing, Amtrak reported April 22.
The eight trainsets—part of an order for 83—will run on the Amtrak Cascades corridor in the Pacific Northwest, which offers stations in 18 cities (see map, right).
They all will feature the Cascades evergreen, cream, and mocha color scheme and Cascade Range mountain graphics. Siemens is expected to finish manufacturing these eight sets in 2026.
According to Amtrak Cascades, which is sponsored by the Washington State and Oregon departments of transportation, NEC trainset testing includes:
- “Additional static testing in a rail yard (for example, while the train is sitting still).”
- “Dynamic testing on an active railroad (for example, while the train is in motion).”
- “Training and education for Amtrak staff.”
“The goal of this phase,” it said, “is to confirm successful operation of the train and its supporting systems, while traveling up to the maximum possible speed [125 mph].”
“Reaching this milestone reflects the dedication across manufacturing, engineering, testing and logistics,” noted Amtrak Cascades in an April 22 social media post, which announced the third trainset’s departure from Sacramento. “Years of planning are turning into real progress. Each of our eight trains will be tested on Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, followed by testing here in the Pacific Northwest. Our crews are also preparing for hands-on training when the new trains arrive. More to come when these trains start heading west!”
“Each milestone brings us one step closer to introducing new equipment later this year,” Amtrak reported.
The first Cascades trainset left the Siemens Mobility plant on July 22, 2025, and wrapped up testing in Pueblo, Colo., in October before heading to the NEC for additional testing. Amtrak showcased it on Feb. 10 at Union Station in Washington, D.C.
Airo trainsets will also be deployed in the coming years on the Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Amtrak Virginia Services, Keystone Service, Amtrak Downeaster, Maple Leaf, New Haven-Springfield-Greenfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express, and Adirondack routes.
According to Amtrak, the first trainsets for the Northeast Regional will complete production and begin testing this year, with revenue service expected to start in 2027.
Collectively, the 83 trainsets valued at approximately $8 billion, “will form the backbone of a modernized Amtrak network—expanding capacity, improving reliability, and enhancing the end-to-end travel experience for customers across the country,” Amtrak said. The final new Airo trainset is anticipated to enter service in 2031/2032.
Each trainset will seat more than 300 riders, offer “large and sturdy” tray tables, cushioned headrests, water bottle holders, and seatback tablet holders; panoramic windows and additional table seating; a redesigned café car, which for Cascades service will feature “local Northwest favorite foods including beer, wine, and spirits along with some self-service food options”; and amenities such as individual outlets, USB ports, free onboard Wi-Fi, “enhanced” lighting, digital customer information displays, automated steps, and touchless restroom controls.
The introduction of the new Airo trainsets follows the rollout of NextGen Acela, which entered NEC service last fall.
Further Reading:
- Airo Trainsets Prepare for Shipment (part of Transit Briefs)
- Amtrak King Street Yard Upgrade Under Way
- Production of Amtrak Airo™ Trains ‘Boosting Business Nationwide’
- Amtrak Orders 10 Additional Airo™ Trainsets
- OIG Releases Audit Report on Amtrak Intercity Trainset Program
- First Look: Amtrak Airo™
- From Siemens: Amtrak’s Next-Gen Trainsets
- OIG to Amtrak: Improved Facilities Planning Needed to Support New Trains
- NextGen Acela Inaugural Run Impressions
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