I am still running sierra, how to I update to catalina?

Back up your data, check your applications for compatibility, and depending on which MacBook Air model you have, download High Sierra or Catalina. Catalina requires it to be a 2012 or newer one.

(182398)

See if you can upgrade to10.13, 10.14, or 10.15, see sys requirements...

https://support.apple.com/kb/sp765?locale=en_US

https://itunes.apple.com/app/macos-high-sierra/id1246284741?mt=12

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP777?locale=en_US

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/macos-mojave/id1398502828?mt=12

macOS Catalina - Technical Specifications

General Requirements

• OS X 10.9 or later
• 4GB of memory
• 12.5GB of available storage (OS X El Capitan 10.11.5 or later)*
• Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
• Some features require a compatible internet service provider; fees may apply.

Mac Hardware Requirements

For details about your Mac model, click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen and choose About This Mac. These Mac models are compatible with macOS Catalina:

• MacBook (Early 2015 or newer)
• MacBook Air (Mid 2012 or newer)
• MacBook Pro (Mid 2012 or newer)
• Mac mini (Late 2012 or newer)
• iMac (Late 2012 or newer)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• Mac Pro (Late 2013 or newer)

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210190

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/macos-catalina/id1466841314?ls=1&mt=12

How to upgrade to macOS Catalina – Apple Support

And caution on 10.15, to see which Apps will no longer work in 10.15 get Go64...

https://www.stclairsoft.com/Go64/

You did not state what model and year your Mac is. As noted here, it must be compatible to be upgraded. Also, be aware (as Apple has told us for over a year, now) that any older 32 bit apps (Microsoft Office?) will no longer work and will either have to be updated, if possible, or replaced at expense to you. I recommend you do your homework before making any changes.