A transformation is underway at Amtrak, a shift heralded by company president Roger Harris as a leap into a completely new era for rail travel. This isn’t simply an upgrade; it’s a reimagining of the American train experience, beginning with the rollout of the sleek, modern Airo trains.
Initial testing is happening now, with the Amtrak Cascades line receiving the first of these new trains. Stepping inside reveals a thoughtful design focused on passenger comfort and convenience. Coach class offers generous seating in a familiar 2-2 configuration, punctuated by tables for four, encouraging connection and conversation.
Every seat, regardless of class, boasts individual reading lights, readily accessible power outlets, and modern USB-C charging ports. These details cater to the needs of today’s traveler, ensuring productivity and entertainment are always within reach.
While the seats don’t traditionally recline, a unique sliding mechanism offers a subtle adjustment. Though this design prioritizes space efficiency, taller passengers may find the reduced legroom a consideration.
Ample luggage storage is integrated throughout the coach cars, with overhead shelves and dedicated racks at the ends of each car, easing the burden of travel and maximizing personal space.
For those seeking a more refined experience, the Airo trains feature a dedicated business class car. Here, the seating arrangement shifts to a spacious 1-2 configuration, offering greater privacy and comfort.
Business class passengers enjoy all the amenities of coach, plus the added luxury of integrated footrests and wider seats, providing a truly relaxing journey. Like coach, the seats utilize the sliding mechanism instead of a traditional recline.
The Airo design isn’t limited to the Cascades line. Celia Ann Pfleckl, leading the Airo program, confirms that the interiors will remain largely consistent for East Coast routes, with the primary difference being a shift in color schemes – leaving behind the Pacific Northwest’s forest green hues.
Pfleckl expressed genuine enthusiasm for the new trains, calling the Airo a truly “amazing product.” These trains are slated to serve a wide range of East Coast routes, including the Adirondack, Carolinian, and Northeast Regional lines.
Testing for the East Coast Airo cars is scheduled to begin later this year, with a projected debut in 2027. This phased rollout will gradually bring the enhanced Airo experience to passengers across the country.
Amtrak’s growth is undeniable. The railroad recently celebrated a third consecutive year of increased ridership, reaching a record 34.5 million passengers in the last year. This surge is fueled by both the addition of new lines, like the Mardi Gras service and the Borealis route, and increased demand on existing routes.
The arrival of the Acelas and Airos is expected to further accelerate this growth, providing increased capacity and a more appealing travel experience. On the Cascades line, the Airo trains will significantly boost passenger capacity, from 168 to 300 per train.
Officials hope the increased capacity will propel the Cascades line past the 1 million annual rider mark, building on the 951,397 passengers carried in the last year. This represents a clear indication of the growing appeal of rail travel.
Every detail, from the comfortable seating to the convenient charging ports and well-appointed lavatories, has been carefully considered. The Airo trains aren’t just about getting from point A to point B; they’re about elevating the entire journey.
