Factor in the cars, SUVs, taxis, buses and limos that sit idling while passengers deplane, I'd say the carbon footprint is pretty damn big because of this airport.

Aside from your making it sound as if the Q400 is EXCELLENT for the environment and everyone should get on board, it is still better NOT to fly at all. And while Tree Hugger may be a cutting edge blog for you, I would direct your attention to David Suzuki's website and his bit about travel. http://www.davidsuzuki.org/what-you-can-do/reduce-your-carbon-footprint/travel-sustainably/

Among other points he makes, such as don't fly at all, if you must fly he says:

Fly economy, because more people per plane means fewer emissions per person.

PORTER flies with a less than 50% load factor and has flown EMPTY from Chicago. The Q400 is small. If you must fly, it is better to go to Pearson and take Porter's Competition Westjet or Air Canada -- bigger planes, more people, less emissions per person. Mr. Iler is correct.

Turns out so was Jane Jacobs.

She called the Island Airport
a "dangerous trojan horse" and The Toronto Port Authority "as the single greatest impediment to revitalizing the waterfront"

Gem