The Pacific Northwest has a new look on the rails. On September 30, the first two new Amtrak Airo trainsets officially entered service on the Amtrak Cascades route, marking the beginning of a major fleet transition. The new trains bring more than a fresh exterior. Passengers can expect updated seating, larger windows, onboard Wi-Fi, USB-C charging, redesigned food service, accessibility features and modern passenger information systems. The rollout is part of a larger order that will eventually bring eight new trainsets, two locomotives and a spare cab car to the Cascades fleet. As more of the equipment arrives, the changes will gradually reshape the experience for travelers moving between Vancouver, British Columbia, Seattle, Portland and Eugene.
More Seats Per Train
The biggest practical change is simple: the new Airo trainsets can carry more than 300 passengers. Amtrak Cascades says the trains are designed to expand capacity while replacing the older passenger equipment, giving the corridor more room for travelers without requiring every improvement to come from adding new departures. The initial rollout on September 30, 2026, put two Airo trainsets into service across four daily trips connecting Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, Portland and Eugene. Eight Airo trainsets are planned for the Cascades fleet, along with two new locomotives and a spare cab car. As more of the new equipment enters service through early 2027, the new trains are expected to gradually replace the existing fleet.
A More Comfortable Ride
The new Cascades trains were designed with the passenger experience in mind, and the changes begin with the seats. Each trainset has more than 300 seats with ergonomic features such as adjustable headrests, while panoramic windows give passengers a broader view of the Pacific Northwest scenery. Amtrak also lists enhanced lighting, modern interiors, large tray tables, water-bottle holders and seatback tablet holders among the features of the new equipment. The design is particularly suited to a route known for its scenery, which connects cities along the I-5 corridor and extends north to Vancouver, British Columbia. Rather than simply putting new equipment on the existing route, Amtrak and its partners designed the Airo fleet specifically for the Cascades service.
Easier Ways To Stay Connected
A long train ride does not necessarily mean disconnecting, and the new Airo equipment adds several ways for passengers to keep their devices running. The trainsets provide complimentary onboard Wi-Fi, individual power outlets and USB-C ports, along with digital customer information displays. Those features are paired with the redesigned interiors, giving passengers places to work, charge a phone or laptop, and keep track of information during the trip. The connectivity upgrades are part of a larger modernization effort rather than a standalone feature. Amtrak describes the new trains as being built around comfort, connectivity and convenience, while the Cascades program says the equipment is intended to provide modern connectivity and a more consistent passenger experience as the older fleet is replaced.
A Fresh Take On The Cafe Car
The cafe is getting its own refresh, giving passengers another visible change aboard the new trains. The redesigned Cafe Car will feature food and beverage offerings inspired by the Pacific Northwest, while Amtrak Cascades already emphasizes locally grown and made products in its onboard menu. The existing Cafe Car serves foods such as soups, sandwiches, sweets and snacks, along with alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, so passengers can take food back to their seats and use the available tray tables. On the new trainsets, the cafe concept is being incorporated into a broader passenger experience that also includes panoramic windows, modern seating and improved connectivity. The idea is to make food service fit naturally into a journey through the Northwest rather than treating it as a separate part of the trip.
Accessibility Gets A Modern Update
Accessibility is another area where the new trains introduce several concrete changes. Amtrak Cascades says the Airo trainsets include accessible seating and features throughout the train, automated steps, enhanced wayfinding and six spacious restrooms with touchless controls. Those features complement existing accessibility services on the Cascades route, where trains provide space for passengers with mobility impairments and use Braille signage and audio and open-captioned travel information. The new equipment is therefore not just about appearance or comfort. Its design incorporates physical access and passenger information into the train itself. As the Airo fleet gradually replaces the existing equipment, these features will become part of the standard experience aboard the new Cascades trainsets.
The Fleet Change Is Just Beginning
September 30 marked the start rather than the end of the Cascades fleet transition. Amtrak has ordered eight Airo trainsets for the Pacific Northwest, plus two new locomotives and a spare cab car. The first two trainsets began passenger service on four daily trips, while additional trainsets are scheduled to enter service as testing, inspections and crew training are completed. Amtrak Cascades says the new equipment undergoes extensive testing, including checks of braking, safety systems, emergency equipment, noise and vibration, as well as dynamic testing at speed. Pacific Northwest testing also includes ensuring that the trains can communicate properly with trackside safety systems. The long-term plan is for the Airo trainsets to replace the existing Cascades fleet, with the transition continuing into early 2027.
