In a remarkable stride in improving travel accessibility, Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) and Cérge have renewed their historical partnership, elevating it a level in improving people with disabilities’ travel experience.

The two organizations have, since they began their collaboration in May 2024, worked together in creating a more accessible travel experience, and fresher advancements in their technology integration are set to take this initiative a notch further.

A Game-Changing Collaboration

The collaboration between SCA and Cérge is an industry first, setting a new standard in how airports can improve services for individuals with disabilities. Cérge, known for its “digital concierge” services, offers a suite of plug-and-play companion technologies designed to provide accessible and sensory experiences at various venues, including airports. This technology enables travelers to receive tailored support at every stage of their journey—from check-in to security screening—ensuring a smoother, stress-free experience for passengers with disabilities.

The recent expansion of Cérge’s capabilities at Sunshine Coast Airport is a significant milestone in the journey toward a more inclusive airport. This includes Bluetooth tracking and the integration of a wheelchair database, which will empower staff across the entire airport to offer precise and personalized assistance to passengers. With these advancements, SCA aims to improve accessibility by ensuring that key staff members, including security officers, are informed about passengers’ specific needs throughout their journey.

Investing in Technology for Inclusive Travel

Sunshine Coast Airport’s ongoing investment in technology to enhance accessibility is a testament to its dedication to inclusivity. Kate McCreery-Carr, General Manager of Operations at Sunshine Coast Airport, emphasized the importance of these upgrades in her statement: “Our partnership with Cérge is something we are extremely proud of, and through our investment, we now have a product that is tailored to the airport journey.”

The integration of the new Bluetooth tracking system and wheelchair database ensures that staff members are well-equipped to provide support at critical touchpoints, such as baggage drop-off, security screening, and boarding. When a passenger with a disability arrives at the airport, they can use Cérge’s system to provide detailed information about their condition, which is instantly shared with staff members who can then prepare the necessary accommodations.

Empowering Staff to Provide Tailored Support

The new technology is not only empowering passengers but also helping airport staff to provide better and more personalized service. With the Bluetooth tracking feature, staff can easily locate passengers who may require assistance and coordinate their support effectively. Additionally, the wheelchair database allows staff to distinguish between different types of mobility aids, such as manual and motorized wheelchairs, and ensure they provide the appropriate care.

Chris Kerrisk, founder of Cérge, explained that the technology is designed to bridge the gaps in service that people with disabilities often face while navigating complex environments like airports. “Airports are among the most complex, high-sensory environments people can navigate—and for travelers with disabilities, small gaps in service can create huge barriers,” Kerrisk said. “Sunshine Coast Airport hasn’t just acknowledged that reality—they’ve invested to solve it.”

By using Cérge’s Bluetooth and wheelchair tracking technology, the airport staff can deliver high-quality, personalized support to passengers without needing to increase staffing levels. This means that passengers can receive timely and respectful assistance while ensuring efficiency across the airport’s multi-zone environment.

Expanding Accessibility Across the Airport

The expanded Cérge integration also ensures that support is available at all crucial points in the passenger journey, including check-in counters, baggage drop, security screening, and arrival gates. The implementation of this technology across multiple zones at the airport means that passengers will experience continuous assistance, no matter where they are in the airport.

In addition, the new system ensures a smoother and more respectful experience at security checkpoints. For example, staff can coordinate a “warm handover” at the security area, making it easier for passengers to transition from one support point to another without feeling overwhelmed. This service marks a significant step toward reducing the anxiety that many travelers with disabilities face while navigating security procedures.

Real Inclusion, In Motion

Cérge’s system is not just a technological enhancement; it is a fundamental shift towards making travel more inclusive and accessible for all passengers. By incorporating real-time notifications and updates for both passengers and staff, Cérge ensures that no one is left behind during their travel journey.

“This partnership is a game-changer for accessible travel,” said Kerrisk. “These enhancements mark a significant tech uplift—allowing Cérge to scale personalized service across complex, multi-zone environments without increasing staffing levels. It means frontline teams can deliver higher quality support with less friction and greater precision.”

Sunshine Coast Airport’s commitment to accessibility is not just about meeting regulatory requirements; it’s about creating a genuine, inclusive environment where all passengers feel respected, supported, and empowered throughout their travels.

Looking Ahead: A Model for the Future

With the successful implementation of these advanced technologies, Sunshine Coast Airport and Cérge are setting the stage for a future where accessible travel is the norm, not the exception. The partnership is already inspiring other airports and transport hubs to explore similar integrations, with the goal of improving the overall travel experience for people with disabilities worldwide.

As Kate McCreery-Carr put it, “Through Cérge and other accessibility initiatives, we are creating new ways for people with disabilities to connect and travel more easily. Traveling through an airport can be stressful, but through the use of Cérge, we are helping to remove some of those barriers.”

Conclusion

The collaboration between Sunshine Coast Airport and Cérge is a remarkable showcase of what is possible when technology is applied towards enabling air travel for those who have disabilities. Through tailored, real-time support using Bluetooth tracking and a wheelchair registry, not only is the airport making large strides towards accessibility and inclusion, but it is also a beacon for accessible flying in the future on an international level.

For more information on the technology and services provided by Cérge, visit their official website. For updates on Sunshine Coast Airport’s accessibility initiatives.

References: Sunshine Coast Airport Official Website, Cérge Official Website, Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

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