This was a smart move on the part of Qantas.
Imagine the potential impact on OneWorld if Singapore started service from DFW. The Star Alliance is taking one across the bow at O'Hare. Eventhough AA does share the ORD hub with the feeble UA, the other star carriers generate a significant amount of traffic at O'Hare. Lufthansa, Austrian, SAS, Singapore, Air Canada and Mexicana all use O'Hare. The decision of Qantas to add ORD may be the beginning of a OW beach head, particularly with United on the brink. Will Cathay be the next carrier in Chicago?