In conversations I had with Baltia Airline's HQ last week it was mentioned that at least 5 pilots had already been hired.....from around the country.

Now, I can understand that a pilot can actually reside in any of the 50 states and work for Baltia headquartered at JFK, NY (since their "commute" is via air and is probably complimentary on any American Based airline going that way)......

.....but why 5+ at this time?  I guess my question is.....how many pilots are generally needed to fly the route?  I know you want back-up....in case of illness, etc.....but there must be a formula....like say 10 pilots for every 4 planes in the fleet, etc.

Purely a curiosity question.....just tossing it out there.....................

Further to that.....can Baltia hire pilots on the other side of the Atlantic, or do they have to have a "permanent residence" here in the states with a US address?