Is finger tip I’d required for iPad Air 4g?

While TouchID is more secure, you can disable/not use Touch ID in favor of a Passcode in Settings.

Touch ID is faster and more secure.

Yes, you can easily choose not to use TouchID, and only use code. No problem.

You get the option to deselect TouchID when you set up the iPad.

If the code is with numbers, uppercase/lowercase letters and special characters, then I would almost think it is more secure than TouchID. But it's not faster.