Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPad Air I believe maxes out at iOS 10.

If you actually mean the iPad Air 2 then, no. iOS 11 is the next stop.
 
The iPad Air is a 64bit device and will run iOS 11.
OK. Thanks. I looked up a compatibility list and it wasn't on there, only the iPad Air 2.

So then OP, it means stay on 9.0.2 or upgrade to iOS 11.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.