To study the mechanical properties of air cushion under static compression using the finite element numerical simulation method, in order to understand the static compression mechanical behavior of air cushion more directly and systematically. Column air cushion was taken as the object in this paper. The physical model and mechanical model of static compression of the air cushion were built. The static compression of the structure was simulated by finite element method (FEM). The effects of the physical dimension and the pressure of filling atmospheric on air cushion were analyzed, and the stress distribution and deformation characteristics of air cushion under different compression amount were obtained. Meanwhile, the simulation results were compared with the test results. The deformation of air cushion started from the contact surfaces, and both the upper and lower surfaces were compressed at the same time. The results of finite element analysis were in good agreement with the experimental results. The finite element model established and the numerical simulation results and method were accurate and reasonable.