The numerical simulation of air infection is carried out to further exploit the residual oil in low permeability reservoirs. CMG-STARS software was used to establish a 3D reservoir model for numerical simulation and comparative characteristics of the processes of air injection and waterflooding of the oil reservoir, depending on the oil parameters, well pattern and well spacing. Analysis of the mechanism for improving production efficiency for these technologies is carried out. The results showed that the effect of air injection on oil recovery is more pronounced than that of waterflooding. The best results for air injection were obtained with a 9-spot well pattern and a 250 m distance between wells, as well as with simultaneous injection into groups of wells in different oil-containing layers. It is determined that air injection is an effective way to develop and enhance oil recovery in low permeability reservoirs.