Amtrak will put its first Airo trainsets into revenue service on the Amtrak Cascades route on September 30, launching a phased rollout that the operator says will continue through early 2027.

The debut marks the first phase of Airo's introduction on the corridor linking Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Portland and Eugene, Ore. Amtrak has ordered eight Airo trainsets for the Cascades, plus two new locomotives and a spare cab car. The first of the eight trainsets arrived in the Pacific Northwest in May and entered testing there.

"The arrival of the new Airo fleet marks an exciting moment for the Amtrak Cascades and passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest," said Amtrak Interim President Byl Herrmann. "This is an important milestone not only for Amtrak Cascades customers, but for Amtrak's broader effort to modernize and expand passenger rail across the country."

Each trainset carries more than 300 seats. Amtrak lists the onboard features as ergonomically designed seating with adjustable headrests, panoramic windows, enhanced lighting, modern interiors, complimentary Wi-Fi, individual power outlets and USB ports, digital customer information displays, accessible seating throughout, automated steps, enhanced wayfinding and six restrooms with touchless controls.

As additional trainsets enter service, Amtrak says the Airo fleet will expand across the route and ultimately replace the existing Amtrak Cascades fleet. That claim sets a measurable deadline to track: full fleet replacement on the corridor depends on deliveries stretching into early 2027.

State partners framed the September 30 launch in terms of corridor demand. "Oregon continues to reach record train ridership, and we are proud to partner with Amtrak to bring their new trains to the Pacific Northwest," said Oregon Department of Transportation Interim Director Chris Warner. "Amtrak Cascades offers Oregonians and visitors a chance to leave I-5 traffic behind and enjoy some of the most beautiful scenery in the country."

Washington State Department of Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith tied the fleet change to reliability outcomes. "These new Amtrak Cascades trains are a game-changer for rail travel in the Pacific Northwest," Meredith said. "They bring improved reliability, comfort and amenities to one of the most scenic rail corridors in the country. We're particularly excited to be the first in the nation to introduce these new trains into service."

Siemens Mobility manufactures the trainsets in the United States under a contract awarded in 2021, valued at $3.4 billion, covering Amtrak's new intercity trainsets. "Airo represents the next level for American passenger rail, built on a proven platform that combines innovation, comfort and accessibility," said Siemens Mobility North America CEO Tobias Bauer. "Designed and assembled in the USA, as this fleet expands nationwide, its impact will be measured not only by new technology, but by the millions of passenger journeys it makes possible."

The program is proceeding under stepped-up oversight scrutiny. A July report from the Amtrak Office of Inspector General found the company should develop well-supported business cases, engage stakeholders early and establish realistic requirements as it undertakes the three largest rolling stock acquisitions in its history: the Airo program, the NextGen Acela program and a multi-billion-dollar long-distance fleet replacement effort.

Maintenance capacity is also expanding. In August, Amtrak began construction on a new Airo maintenance facility at Sunnyside Yard in Long Island City, N.Y.

With the first Cascades trainsets now in service from September 30, the pace of deliveries through early 2027 will determine how quickly the corridor's existing fleet retires.