Amtrak's Airo trainsets are in high demand, with another contract option to order 10 additional trainsets being executed, bringing the total contract order to 83 trainsets. The first Amtrak Airo trainset is scheduled to debut in 2026, and the new trains will operate on routes throughout the country.
“We are thrilled to satisfy the soaring demand for train travel with new state-of-the-art, American-made equipment that ensures the highest standards of comfort, service and amenities,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “As we advance this vision, we’re committed to getting people where they need to go while reducing road and air congestion, creating jobs and supporting the American economy.”
Currently in production, the new trains will elevate the customer journey. Features include:
- Spacious, comfortable seats loaded with features and improvements.
- Dedicated power, USB-C ports, seatback tablet and phone holders, bigger and sturdier tray tables and adjustable cup holders.
- Contoured seat cushions, enhanced leg room, individual arm rests and adjustable headrests – all with a focus on ergonomics.
- Trip and Train Navigation: Bolder, color-coded signage to identify amenities and differentiate classes of service, both on board and on the platform.
Amtrak's Airo trainsets are geared to be more fuel efficient, producing 90 percent less particulate emissions in diesel operations. They also include dedicated water stations on each trainset to provide chilled and filtered hydration while reducing the need for disposable plastic bottles.
Modern tech
Airo trainsets will have enhanced accessibility features, including spacious and accessible restrooms, vestibules and Café cars with integrated boarding equipment for customers with reduced mobility and contemporary food service, which will allow for a grab-and-go experience.
They will also have:
- Inductive hearing technology to assist with onboard announcements and new 5G Wi-Fi and digital information systems.
- Touchless restrooms with spacious and accessible interiors.
- Increased space between customers in business class, offering double and single seats, wider arm rests, additional outlets, footrests and improved ambiance
- Enhanced lighting to provide a softer, yet functional interior with individual reading lights at each seat.
- Access to ample storage space for baggage.
Customers will have the chance to utilize the new Amtrak Airo trainsets on the Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Virginia Services, Keystone Service, Downeaster, Cascades, Maple Leaf, New Haven/Springfield Service, Palmetto, Carolinian, Pennsylvanian, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express and Adirondack.
A share of Amtrak’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding will support the procurement of Amtrak Airo trainsets, which are being manufactured by Siemens in California. The new trains are part of a larger movement that will empower the Amtrak experience, including new Acela trains, major infrastructure projects, service expansion, station upgrades, modernization efforts and improved track capacity that will help support ridership growth.
