HAL turnover soars to Rs 7,505 crores

     The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) achieved a sales turnover of Rs 7,505 crores ($1.75 billion), recording a growth of 41% over the previous year. The Company, which declared its Financial Year results for 2006-07, saw its profits (PBT) soaring to Rs 1,600 crores, a jump of 42% over the last year. The Value of Production has also gone up by 37% at Rs. 8,100 crores. The exports registered a growth of 34% at Rs 250 crores while export orders worth Rs 500 crore were secured. HAL has paid the highest-ever Interim Dividend of Rs 237.95 crores for the year 2006-‘07, which is around 197% of the Paid-up Share Capital of the Company. 

     HAL’s enhanced financial achievement is mainly attributed to the successful execution of programmes including the SU-30 MKI, DO-228, ALH and Jaguar. This apart, a series of aircraft upgrade programmes contributed to HAL’s growth. During this year, the project for the design and development of light combat helicopter (LCH) was finalized, apart from additional orders for aircraft and helicopters resulting in an all-time high order book position of over Rs 40,000 crores.

     The Advanced Jet Trainer (Hawk) is progressing as per the schedule and the first Hawk will roll out of HAL hangars during 2007-‘08. The year also saw the completion of the first aircraft of the limited series production of LCA, besides two more aircraft joining the fleet of prototypes. Under the ALH weapon system integration programme, the glass cockpit utility version was certified and the first batch produced for Army.  During the year, HAL also set the ball rolling for co-development of a medium-lift helicopter (10-Ton class) and a multi-role transport aircraft.