SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) - Continental Airlines' pilots on Wednesday announced they have ratified a new 45-month contract with the carrier, a move that will save more than $200 million a year. The Air Line Pilots Association said that about 93 percent of the eligible members voted, with 58 percent, or 2,139, for the new contract and 42 percent, or 1,525 against. Importantly, if the other unions also voting on new contracts reject new terms, the pilots union can change its stance. The carrier's mechanics and flight attendants are among the other organized workers whose votes will be tallied Wednesday to see if they want the new cost-cutting contracts. The pilots contract will save $213 million annually, they said. Company management and union leadership had earlier reached tentative accords. The airline this month made clear the stakes of the vote, emphasizing that further cuts and reductions would have been needed if the unions rejected the accord. See full story. So far this year, Continental (CAL: news, chart, profile) shares are down about 19 percent. They participated in a broad sector rally, however, on Wednesday. See full story. Roger EWROPS