The proposed United-Continental merger took a step on Thursday. The airlines’ top executives also held their first merger integration steering committee at Continental’s Houston headquarters.

Jeff Smisek, current CEO of Continental and future United chief jointly led the steering committee along with Glenn Tilton the current United CEO.

After the merger, Tilton will become nonexecutive chairman until December 31, 2012, or on the second anniversary of the closing of the deal which will come later.

Four other of the airlines’ top executives two from each airline, round out the integration team. The group plans to meet every other week until the merger closes. They will alternate locations between United’s headquarters in Chicago and Continental’s in Houston.

Source:USA TODAY