HAL's record turnover in FY18 masks concern over dwindling order book

Orders worth only Rs 690 bn that can be completed in 3 years, says HAL chief T Suvarna Raju

On Monday, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) announced a record turnover of over Rs 180 billion (provisional and unaudited) for the financial year (FY) ending March 31, 2018, narrowly edging past last year’s audited turnover of Rs 176.05 billion.

“During the FY 2017-18, the company has produced 40 new aircraft/helicopters and 105 new engines. The company has also carried out overhaul of 220 aircraft/ helicopters and 550 engines”, said a HAL release today.

Even so, company sources told Business Standard they are concerned about HAL’s dwindling order book, with the Sukhoi-30MKI production line at Nashik – its main cash cow –