A $3 (but 2m) extender cable from Radio Shack would do the trick, or the $9.99 Belkin (3 inch) cable for the iPhone should also work.
Or do your speakers use a 1/4" plug instead of the 1/8" used my most speakers/headphones? Radio Shack has converters, but you will still need an extender.
what kind of speakers are you referring to. I have the Bose Companion 5 speakers with my iMac now. I may hook it up to my air once in a blue moon. It seems that the USB cable from the speakers should be able to fit into the air??