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Portions of the Department of Transportation are currently in shutdown/furlough status due to a lapse in appropriations. Please continue to monitor this page for updates on DOT’s operating status.

Daniel J. Edwards, P.E.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs

Daniel Edwards

Daniel J. Edwards is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs. In this vital role he is responsible for shaping and implementing policies that impact the economic health and international competitiveness of the US aviation industry and broader transportation sector.

Edwards has dedicated his career to the aerospace and defense industries. His accomplishments have landed him atop diverse organizations spanning the public, private, and military space. Prior to joining DOT, he served as CEO of privately held businesses in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), as well supply chain and distribution. Dan also has extensive business leadership in airborne C4ISR and airfield infrastructure. He was part of the team that worked closely with FAA to develop and commercialize EMAS, which protects commercial runways across the US and internationally against aircraft runway overruns. 

Edwards served over 23 years in the USAF and USAF Reserves as both a KC-10 pilot and airfield civil engineer. He has flown over 100 combat missions, holds type ratings in the DC-10 and 757/767, and has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours as both a military and commercial pilot.

Last updated: Tuesday, September 23, 2025