Amtrak announced the first of its new Airo trainsets has arrived in Seattle, marking a major milestone in the rollout of the next generation of Amtrak Cascades service in the Pacific Northwest.

The new trainset is part of Amtrak’s broader fleet modernization initiative and is designed to improve passenger comfort, accessibility, and reliability across the region. According to Amtrak, the trains feature regionally inspired interiors, upgraded amenities, enhanced accessibility features, and local food and beverage offerings.

Before entering passenger service, the trainset is undergoing a three-stage testing and preparation process.

The first phase took place on a dedicated test track in Pueblo, Colorado, where Amtrak teams validated the train’s core systems and operational performance. The second stage moved testing to the Northeast Corridor, where Amtrak owns and manages the rail infrastructure, allowing crews to conduct testing on active tracks.

The train has now entered the final phase in the Pacific Northwest, which includes route testing, staff training, and practice runs along the Amtrak Cascades corridor ahead of its planned launch later this year.

“Designed with comfort, reliability, and accessibility at the center, the new Airo trains represent the next step in Amtrak’s largest fleet modernization effort ever,” Amtrak said in a statement. “Seeing the first trainset arrive where it will serve customers brings that progress into sharp focus.”

The Seattle-arriving trainset is the first of eight planned for the Amtrak Cascades fleet and part of a nationwide order of 83 Airo trainsets.

Amtrak said the rollout represents continued investment in passenger rail, American manufacturing, and modernization efforts intended to improve the overall customer travel experience across its network.