Media release provided by Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.
Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), the trade association representing commercial service airports in the United States and Canada, has awarded Dave Edwards, with the 2025 Excellence in Visionary Leadership Award. The award, which honors outstanding leadership and innovative vision within the aviation industry, was presented on Sunday, October 26, at the 2025 ACI-NA & ACI World Annual General Assembly, Conference and Exhibition in Toronto, Ontario.
“Dave Edwards truly embodies what it means to be a leader in the aviation industry,” said ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke. “Through his dedication and hard work, we’ve seen Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport transform the airport industry at large. Dave Edwards along with his team, has driven forward countless initiatives that enhance the safety, efficiency, and comfortability of the travel experience for all passengers. I can think of no one more deserving of this recognition.”
Dave Edwards has more than thirty years’ experience in airport management with strong credentials in the areas of business development, properties, governmental affairs, operations, and international marketing. Edwards has served as the President/CEO of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District since July 2009 and has been recognized for his innovative and entrepreneurial leadership of the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP).
During Edwards’ tenure, the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District experienced unprecedented growth and transformation. District revenues have increased from $18.9 million to $72.2 million, while annual passenger enplanements rose from 636,987 to 1,447,797. Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) has also emerged as a top 25 cargo airport in the United States based on international trade value and volume. During his tenure, Edwards attracted new carriers including Southwest Airlines, Avelo Airlines, and Breeze Airways, and launched the airport’s first nonstop service to the West Coast, achieving the greatest number of airlines and nonstop destinations in the airport’s history.
More than $400 million in infrastructure investments have been implemented under his direction, including the Wingspan terminal modernization project, expansion of cargo facilities, new public parking structures, major roadway enhancements, a new fuel farm, corporate hangars, airfield improvements, and the growth of the GSP International Logistics Park. Edwards also introduced new business models to strengthen operations, such as forming Cerulean Commercial Aviation to oversee general aviation, cargo, and fueling operations, and transitioning food and beverage services to a management contract to enhance customer experience.
Additionally, Airport District staffing grew from 85 to 220 full-time employees, and GSP was ranked as one of South Carolina’s top 50 employers. Reflecting these accomplishments, GSP has been recognized by its passengers as the Best Airport in North America for three of the past four years.
“To be recognized with the ACI-NA Visionary Leadership Award at this point in my career is both humbling and deeply meaningful. I’ve always believed that great airports are built by great people, and I’ve been privileged to lead some of the best,” said David Edwards. “I’ve been fortunate to spend my career building airports that connect people, strengthen communities, and embrace innovation.