Norfolk Southern Orders Wabtec Locomotives: Fleet Upgrade Confirmed

Norfolk Southern orders 40 Wabtec ES44AC locomotives, its first new purchase since 2022. These units feature advanced diagnostics, boosting reliability and modernizing the fleet.

Norfolk Southern Orders Wabtec Locomotives: Fleet Upgrade Confirmed
January 23, 2026 12:38 am
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🛑 Key Takeaways:
  • Norfolk Southern will acquire 40 Wabtec ES44AC locomotives, its first new motive power purchase since 2022.
  • The units feature next-generation control systems enabling real-time remote diagnostics to improve asset reliability.
  • The order aligns with a broader Class I railroad trend of fleet modernization, highlighted by CPKC’s multi-year, US$800M+ investment in new Wabtec and Progress Rail units.

ATLANTA, GA – Norfolk Southern (NS) has placed an order for 40 new ES44AC diesel-electric locomotives from Wabtec as a core component of its fleet modernization strategy. The acquisition marks the Class I railroad’s first order for new locomotives since 2022, with delivery scheduled for the second half of 2026. While the value of the contract was not disclosed, the units will be delivered to the NS shop in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for final commissioning.

CategorySpecification / Detail
Product / Model40x Wabtec ES44AC Locomotives
Contract ValueNot Disclosed
Key StakeholdersNorfolk Southern (Buyer), Wabtec (Manufacturer)
Delivery TimelineSecond half of 2026
Commissioning SiteNorfolk Southern Shop, Chattanooga, TN
Key TechnologyNext-generation control systems with real-time remote diagnostics

Operational & Technical Details

The new locomotives will be built to Norfolk Southern’s specific operational requirements. A primary feature is the integration of Wabtec’s latest generation of control systems. This technology provides technicians with real-time remote diagnostics and live operational data views. This allows for proactive monitoring of locomotive health. The system is designed to identify potential mechanical or electrical issues before they escalate into service-disrupting failures, thereby reducing train delays and improving network fluidity.

Market Impact Analysis

This order signals Norfolk Southern’s renewed capital investment in its primary assets after a multi-year pause on new locomotive acquisitions. The move mirrors a wider industry focus on enhancing fleet reliability and efficiency. For comparison, competitor Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is executing a multi-year, US$800 million fleet renewal program. CPKC’s plan includes acquiring 170 Wabtec Tier 4 locomotives through 2026 and 30 Tier 4 units from Progress Rail. NS’s investment strengthens Wabtec’s production pipeline and reinforces its market leadership in supplying North American Class I railroads.

📅 Originally Published: December 2025
To understand the context behind the current expansion, here’s a look at the initial announcement.

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FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the main value of this contract?

The financial value was not disclosed by either company. The strategic value is in modernizing Norfolk Southern’s fleet to improve operational reliability and efficiency through advanced diagnostic technology.

When is the expected completion date?

The 40 locomotives are scheduled for delivery to Norfolk Southern during the second half of 2026.