Amtrak has unveiled its new Airo trains, a fleet of 83 modern trainsets designed to upgrade non-Acela services and eventually replace its aging regional fleet. The new cars will first debut on the Cascades route connecting Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, with rollout to the Northeast expected in 2027.

Amtrak’s Michael Welsh highlighted the key interior features in a brief video, showing fully accessible luggage racks, larger bathrooms that double space for passengers with disabilities, and panoramic windows ensuring all seats have unobstructed views. These enhancements aim to improve passenger comfort and accessibility, reflecting Amtrak’s commitment to modernizing its services.

The $8 billion investment in Airo trainsets from Siemens Mobility addresses a fleet with an average age of over 30 years, according to Amtrak’s 2025 reports. Analysts suggest the upgrades could increase ridership on regional routes by 10–15%, based on similar improvements seen in European rail systems.

With spacious interiors, accessibility-focused design, and scenic window views, the Airo trains represent a significant step forward in Amtrak’s effort to modernize U.S. regional rail travel, combining functionality with passenger-friendly features to attract new riders and enhance the travel experience.