Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport leader earns industry leadership award

Airports Council International-North America, 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 the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport’s president and CEO on Oct. 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,” ACI-NA President and CEO Kevin M. Burke said in a news release. “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.”

Edwards has more than 30 years’ experience in airport management with credentials in the areas of business development, properties, governmental affairs, operations and international marketing, according to the release. He 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 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. GSP has also emerged as a top 25 cargo airport in the United States based on international trade value and volume, the release stated. 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, the release stated. 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, according to the release. 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,” Edwards said in the release. “I’ve always believed that great airports are built by great people, and I’ve been privileged to lead some of the best. I’ve been fortunate to spend my career building airports that connect people, strengthen communities and embrace innovation.

Edwards announced earlier this year that he will retire in January 2026, following more than 16 years as president and CEO of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District and a 38-year career in aviation. Kevin Howell has been tapped to be the district’s next CEO.