An estimated 2.3 billion people live in the region served by the Thuraya mobile communications system, which began commercial operations in 2001. Boeing Satellite Development Center built the complete turnkey system, including the manufacture and launch of Thuraya-1, a high-power Boeing GEM satellite, plus a second aircraft, ground facilities and user handsets. The coverage area encompasses the Middle East, North and Central Africa, Europe, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. Thuraya-2 was successfully launched on June 10, 2003. The Thuraya satellites are the first spacecraft in the Boeing GEM series.