Amid Rafale deal drama, HAL announces highest-ever turnover

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Even as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has come under scrutiny over its exclusion from the controversial Rafale deal, the PSU has achieved significant growth in revenue and profits, a top company official said Saturday.

"We have recorded the highest-ever turnover of Rs 18,28,386 lakh in the 2017-18 financial year compared with the previous year's turnover of Rs 17,60,379 lakh," CMD R. Madhavan said in a statement in Bengaluru.

HAL had on Friday held its 55th annual general body meeting of shareholders, the first after its listing.

Profit Before tax for the year was Rs 3,32,284 lakh as against Rs 3,58,258 lakh in the previous year, Madhavan said adding the profit After tax (PAT) for the year was Rs 2,07,041 lakh.

HAL produced 40 aircraft and helicopters covering Su-30 MKI, LCA Tejas and Dornier Do-228 in fixed wing and ALH Dhruv and Cheetal Helicopters in rotary wing, Madhavan noted.

In addition, HAL produced 105 new engines, overhauled 220 aircraft and helicopters and 550 engines, he said.

Also, as many as 146 new aero-structures for space programmes were produced by HAL during the period, he added.