Amtrak has outlined the latest details for its new fleet of Airo trains, which are scheduled to debut in 2026.
The fleet aims to offer a sustainable and modern travel experience with world-class amenities. In doing so, the fleet is expected to increase the attractiveness of travelling by rail.
In total, Amrak is procuring 83 Airo trains following an initial order for 73 units and an option for an additional 10 to meet the increased demand for rail travel.
The vehicles are being made in America at Siemens’ facility in Sacramento, California. The units comply with the Federal Railroad Administration’s Buy America Standards. Their production is also boosting businesses elsewhere in the US, with 13,500+ parts manufactured by nearly 100 suppliers in 31 states.
The Amtrak Airo will be rolled out on the following services:
- Northeast Regional
- Empire Service
- Amtrak Virginia Services
- Keystone Service
- Amtrak Downeaster
- Amtrak Cascades
- Maple Leaf
- New Haven-Springfield-Greenfield Service
- Palmetto
- Carolinian
- Pennsylvanian
- Vermonter
- Ethan Allen Express
- Adirondack
The procurement of the new trains is supported by a share of Amtrak’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding. This investment is part of a larger transformation that aims to revolutionise the Amtrak experience.
Once in service, the new trains will enhance efficiency, operating at speeds up to 125 mph with seamless transitions between power sources. This will eliminate the need for time-consuming locomotive changes.
Onboard, the vehicles feature spacious interiors with panoramic windows. Modern signage creates a cleaner and accessible way to identify and differentiate cabins.
In addition, each seat prioritises ergonomics, provides generous legroom, and is equipped with larger, sturdier tray tables, moveable headrests and a dedicated cup and seatback tablet-holder. Passengers will also benefit from dedicated individual outlets, USB ports and onboard Wi-Fi, enabled by 5G. In Business Class, a choice of double and single seats offer customers greater flexibility.
The trains have been designed with enhanced lighting and improved technology, with digital customer information systems and touchless restroom controls.
The service will also offer a contemporary food service with self-service options. Meanwhile, dedicated water stations provide chilled and filtered hydration.
To enhance accessibility, the trains are equipped with onboard passenger lifts, increased accessible spaces, and enhanced audible and visual messaging that will improve the experience for all customers.
Amtrak’s latest factsheet on the new fleet can be downloaded here.
