Stewart D'LeonSenior Director, Commercial Aviation Safety & Regulatory Affairs
Stewart D’Leon is the Senior Director of Commercial Aviation Safety & Regulatory Affairs at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA). In this role, he leads and advances priorities within AIA’s civil aviation portfolio, including safety, certification, and operational initiatives. A seasoned aviation professional, D’Leon brings more than 20 years of experience spanning military aviation, aerospace manufacturing, and industry leadership.
D’Leon joined AIA after serving as Senior Director of Environmental & Technical Operations at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), where he led environmental, maintenance, and technical portfolios impacting civil aviation operations. In this role, he represented NBAA at the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) through the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and chaired the Business Aviation Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Coalition. He also worked closely with industry, government, and international stakeholders to advance sustainability, operational efficiency, and safety initiatives across the civil aviation sector.
Earlier in his career, D’Leon spent more than a decade at Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a leading aerospace manufacturer, supporting U.S. government special mission aircraft. Serving in progressively senior field leadership and technical roles in the United States and Europe, he developed extensive experience in avionics, maintenance, certification, and operational readiness while leading multidisciplinary teams in complex global environments.
D’Leon began his aviation career on active duty in the United States Air Force as an Aircraft Communication and Navigation Specialist, where he built a strong foundation in disciplined operations, safety, and technical excellence.
D’Leon holds a Master of Aeronautical Science with a focus in aviation safety and a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, along with associate degrees in Avionics Technology and Professional Pilot studies. He also holds FAA Private Pilot and Airframe and Powerplant certificates.
