Continental and United Airlines have started the merger process, which is expected to close by the end of the current year.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, while four of the chosen executives are currently working for Continental, which is based in Houston, the other four are working with United based in Chicago. These executives would also have to be elected by the Board of Directors.

The new Company will be named United and it will be located in Chicago. It will be headed by Jeff Smisek from Continental and he will be the President and CEO. Glenn Tilton, the United CEO will be the non-executive Chairman.

Other important executives from Continental include Zane Rowe who will be Chief Financial Officer; Nene Foxhall will take care of Communications and Government Affairs, Jim Compton will work as Chief marketing officer and Mike Bonds will take care of Human Resources and Labor Relations.

Executives from United include Pete McDonald, who will be the Chief Operations Officer; Keith Halbert will be Chief Information Officer. Tom Sabatino will work as General Counsel and Jeff Foland will take care of loyalty as well as the frequent flier programs.

Aviation experts feel that this is a suitable choice of executives and have also appreciated the appointment of Mike Bonds and Jeff Foland.

United and Continental have also received the approval of the European Union.