Although the first Siemens Airo trainset has been out and testing, first at the TTC Test Center in Pueblo, Colo., and more recently along the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak officially showcased the first new Airo train at Washington, D.C. Union Station in mid February. The event, open only to the press and invitees, was the first public look at the all-new cars. 

FRA Administrator David Fink speaks at a press event in Washington D.C. Photo Courtesy of Amtrak. 

Siemens Mobility is currently building 83 new trainsets – an entirely new generation of trains designed to elevate the customer experience and strengthen service across the national network. The sets are based on Siemens Venture equipment that is already in service on state-supported routes radiating from Chicago and on the Gold Runner routes (formerly the San Joaquins) in central California. 

The first Airo trainsets are slated to enter service on the Amtrak Cascades, serving the Pacific Northwest corridor between Vancouver, B.C., and Eugene, Ore. The Cascades will receive eight trainsets, replacing Talgo trains currently operating on the route. All eight Cascades trainsets are expected to be completed in 2026.

—Bob Gallegos