By Matt Joyce

Members of the business aviation industry are meeting in Dallas today for discussions and equipment exhibitions.

The National Business Aviation Association Regional Forum is expected to draw about 1,000 people to Love Field's Business Jet Center.

NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen defined "business aviation" as any general aviation aircraft used for business purposes. The industry does not include scheduled airlines or military aviation.

"A lot of people think of Fortune 500 companies," Bolen said. "In reality, however, 85 percent of the companies in the United States that use an airplane for a business purpose are small and mid-sized companies."

Like the airlines and auto industry, business aviation suffered during the economic recession of late 2008 and 2009, Bolen said.

"The economic impact on business aviation was devastating," Bolen said.

"We're beginning to see some stabilization and a return to some incremental growth. We think it will be a while before we get back to 2007 and 2008 levels."

Dallas is a hub of business aviation activity because of its large business community, multiple airports and flight training facilities. The industry accounts for about $4.3 billion in annual economic activity in North Texas, according to the NBAA.