Will Apple Pencil (1st generation) work with new iPad Air?

Most likely not. Apple hasn't updated the following article since 2020, but you may still find it helpful:

• Apple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support

No. Read the related article in the upper left corner of this page.

Apple Pencil compatibility - Apple Support

No.

You need to purchase the more expensive 2nd gen Pencil.

Best of Luck to You!