AtkinsRéalis Supports Introduction of New Amtrak Cascades Airo Fleet in Washington State

Long-standing partnership with WSDOT helps advance next generation passenger rail service across the Pacific Northwest 

SEATTLE, WA., October 22, 2026 – AtkinsRéalis, a world-class engineering services and nuclear company with offices around the world, is highlighting its role in supporting the Washington State Department of Transportation's (WSDOT) introduction of the new Amtrak Cascades Airo trainsets into passenger service. Since 2019, AtkinsRéalis has provided WSDOT with procurement support, technical advisory services, design review, and testing results evaluation for the next-generation fleet serving communities across Washington, Oregon and British Columbia.

"This milestone reflects the value of bringing together deep technical expertise, global rail experience and trusted partnerships to help clients make informed investments in critical transportation infrastructure," said Byron Bright, President, U.S., AtkinsRéalis. "Our team worked alongside WSDOT to help shape a fleet that improves mobility and strengthens the future of passenger rail in the Pacific Northwest."

The new fleet delivers a 40% increase in passenger capacity, enhanced accessibility features, modern passenger information systems and improved onboard amenities, helping meet growing demand for sustainable intercity transportation. AtkinsRéalis served as WSDOT's technical advisor from initial fleet replacement planning through the introduction of eight new trainsets. The team developed business case and procurement recommendations, supported WSDOT's participation in Amtrak's national rolling stock procurement program and represented the agency throughout design review and delivery. AtkinsRéalis reviewed more than 700 design submissions and provided engineering expertise across multiple vehicle systems to help ensure the trainsets met WSDOT's operational needs.

"The introduction of the Airo fleet is the culmination of years of collaboration between WSDOT, Amtrak, Siemens and numerous industry partners," said Sergio Callen, Vice President, National Rail & Transit Sector Manager, AtkinsRéalis. "Project Manager Andrew Wood and our team empowered our client to make informed decisions at every stage of the program through procurement strategy, engineering review and technical oversight. We are proud to have supported a project that expands passenger rail capacity, improves accessibility and strengthens transportation connections for communities across the region."

AtkinsRéalis brings more than 40 years of experience helping passenger rail and transit agencies modernize and expand their fleets. The company has supported transformative rolling stock programs across the United States, including Amtrak's Acela II fleet replacement initiative, Siemens Charger locomotive procurements involving Illinois DOT and Caltrans, Brightline Florida's passenger rail fleet program, and LA Metro's next-generation heavy rail vehicle procurement supporting mobility improvements ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. AtkinsRéalis is currently supporting the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (Tri-Rail) with project management, engineering oversight and commissioning services for seven new Siemens locomotives that will modernize the fleet and enhance service reliability across South Florida. Its specialists support clients throughout the rolling stock lifecycle, from procurement strategy and engineering review through commissioning, reliability and asset management.

About AtkinsRéalis

Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a better future for our planet and its people. We create sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. We deploy global capabilities locally to our clients and deliver unique end-to-end services across the whole life cycle of an asset including consulting, advisory & environmental services, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and capital advisory services. The breadth and depth of our capabilities are delivered to clients in strategic sectors such as Engineering Services and Nuclear, as steward of CANDU® nuclear technology. News and information are available at www.atkinsrealis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.