Amtrak: Airo train production involves nearly 100 suppliers

The production of new Amtrak Airo trains is boosting businesses nationwide as manufacturing ramps up, Amtrak and Siemens Mobility officials announced this week during a viewing of the trains under production.

Amtrak selected Siemens in 2021 to manufacture new, state-of-the-art trains to comply with Federal Railroad Buy America standards. In August, Amtrak executed a contract option for 10 additional trains, bringing the total order to 83.

Production of the trains, which is underway at Siemens' plant in Sacramento, California, involves more than 3,500 parts manufactured by nearly 100 suppliers in 31 states. There are 16 suppliers in California alone providing more than 2,000 parts, Amtrak and Siemens officials said in a press release.

"As we build to support the soaring demand for train travel, Amtrak Airo is creating jobs even before the trains are on the tracks," said Amtrak President Roger Harris. "The new trains will not only provide world-class accommodations on routes throughout the country but will stimulate local economies as we revolutionize the Amtrak experience."

The new trains have spacious interiors, panoramic windows, ample legroom, double and single seats, dedicated outlets, USB ports and onboard Wi-Fi. The trains will also offer greater accessibility with onboard passenger lifts, increased accessible spaces, and enhanced audible and visual messaging that will improve the experience for all customers. The new trains can operate at speeds up to 125 mph.

The first Amtrak Airo train is scheduled to debut in 2026. The Airo trains will operate on following routes: the Northeast Regional; Empire Service; Amtrak Virginia Services; Keystone Service; Amtrak Downeaster; Amtrak Cascades; Maple Leaf; New Haven-Springfield-Greenfield Service; Palmetto; Carolinian; Pennsylvanian; Vermonter; Ethan Allen Express; and Adirondack.