I suppose it depends how you define cash:
https://www.cathaypacific.com/conten...6_Final_en.pdf
In Current Assets, it shows just over HK$20b on the balance sheet (p.86 of 120, note 18). Just under HK$10b which would be classified as 'cash'. Likely, they'll have to finance at least in part, this aircraft purchase. There's no shame in that, many airlines do, and it is one of the better assets that earn a return once deployed.
I don't see an airline that is in dire straights from the financials, but I do see one that has made a significant blunder. Assuming the hedging losses are over, and provided additional blunder(s) are not made, one could state that they would be profitable come 2018/19.
Separately, given the holders of CX (the big names, not the small cheeses), I don't think anyone would hesitate to finance aircraft for them. Worst case, CX folds and they transfer the assets to Air China HK Limited (A HK registered company).