The Skies are Green!!!

By Dan Estabrook - August 6, 2008 (TNN) Just when you thought flying green was impossible... ...unless you live in the Pacific Northwest. An upstart commuter airline launched recently that claims it will fully mitigate the environmental impact of jet fuel that it burns.  SeaPort Airlines is running a new regularly scheduled service between Portland and Seattle offering multiple flights per day.  Operating fuel-efficient PC-12 aircraft, a Swiss-built pressurized turboprop that carries 9 passengers, the airline launched service in late June.  Because the airline is utilizing Boeing Field and the planes fall outside of TSA jurisdiction, passengers can avoid regular TSA security and arrive at their flights just 15 minutes before take-off.  The airline also offers free parking. When I told an officemate about this new venture, she asked what I instantly asked: how can an airline be green? First, SeaPort plans to donate the equivalent of "carbon offset" funds by joining in a partnership with Vancouver, Washington-based Columbia Land Trust to help conserve forests in the Northwest.  Second, the PC-12 aircraft uses only 51 gallons of fuel for the 40-minute flight (about 9 gallons per passenger), making the planes efficient and inexpensive to operate. With no end in sight for out-of-control fuel prices, I will watch Seaport with my green binoculars.  Perhaps we will see this model take off in other cities!? Read more here. Photo: SeaPort Airlines