Ipad air & apple pencil

No it needs to be an iPad Air 3.

Below is a lot of all the devices which can be used with an Apple Pencil

Apple Pencil (2nd generation)

You can use Apple Pencil (2nd generation) with these iPad models: 

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) and later
• iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation) and later

Apple Pencil (1st generation)

You can use Apple Pencil (1st generation) with these iPad models:

• iPad Pro 12.9-inch (1st or 2nd generation)
• iPad Pro 10.5-inch
• iPad Pro 9.7-inch
• iPad Air (3rd generation)
• iPad (7th generation)
• iPad (6th generation)
• iPad mini (5th generation)

Apple Pencil compatibility – Apple Support

Nope.

That iPad Air model is too old and lacks the necessary and needed internal screen hardware layer for an Apple Pencil to interact with the iPad’s screen.

Also, iPads made before late fall 2015, and that includes your older iPad Air model, cannot use any version of the Apple Pencil.

You will need to seek out other third party stylus alternatives.

Best of Luck to You!