to allow for a "stand-up cabin" with more walking headspace like conventional airliners. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Regulations require two pilots for passenger airline operations, but the 1900 is designed and certificated for single-pilot operation in corporate or cargo settings, as is the King Air.

The 1900 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engines. The 1900 and 1900C use two PT6A-65B engines,