Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with Cérge, a locally based company dedicated to removing barriers for individuals with disability during travel. This partnership marks a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and enhancing the travel experience for everyone, particularly those with hidden disability.
The partnership will see the rollout of the Cérge Companion App and Website at SCA and is an industry first that has the potential to revolutionise travel for people with disability.
Known as a ‘digital concierge’, Cérge provides venues with plug-and-play companion technologies designed to offer accessible and sensory experiences, imagery, and descriptions. This empowers individuals with disability, along with their parents, carers, and support workers, to make informed decisions prior to arrival.
SCA CEO Chris Mills said the partnership with Cérge was incredibly important as the airport was on a journey to explore ways to create a more accessible and inclusive airport.
“Our partnership with Cérge is part of our commitment to foster a more accessible and inclusive airport environment,” Mr Mills said.
“By investing in innovative technologies and solutions like Cérge, we will enhance the travel experience for people with disability.”
As the first Australian airport to embrace this technology, people with disability can now notify airport staff of their impending arrival, allowing the SCA team to proactively prepare and deliver a tailored customer experience.
“Our team has been trained in the use of the app and will be ready to assist travellers with disability, from the moment they arrive to the moment they depart,” he said.
Noting the significance of the collaboration in driving positive change for people with disability, Chris Kerrisk, Co-Founder of Cérge said, “We are proud to partner with Sunshine Coast Airport in our shared mission to break down barriers for people with disability,” he said.
“By leveraging technology and innovation, we can empower people to travel with greater confidence and independence. We are grateful that Sunshine Coast Airport recognised the potential of our Content Management Platform for Access & Inclusion and are working with us to find solutions to some of the problems that people with disability encounter when travelling.”
The rollout of the Cérge Companion App and Companion Website is part of the Airport’s continued commitment towards a more inclusive and accessible future for travellers of all abilities. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to diversity, SCA and Cérge are paving the way for more accessible travel.
About Sunshine Coast Airport
Sunshine Coast Airport was the first airport in Australia to hold Level 3+ Carbon Neutrality status. By 2040, total direct employment at the Airport is expected to grow from 530 to 2,400 direct jobs and contribute an estimated $406million in total to Australia’s GDP.
Sunshine Coast Airport Pty Ltd operates and manages Sunshine Coast Airport, the gateway to the Sunshine Coast and Noosa regions, under a 99-year lease from Sunshine Coast Council which commenced in December 2017. In July 2023, Sunshine Coast Airport was declared a priority development area (PDA) by the Queensland Government.
