Seems a bit odd that Emirates isn't seeking compensation for the cracks, according to the article of course. Maybe Airbus sweetened the deal by giving away an airplane or two to Emirates.... given it cost Emirates over $90 million for the first few weeks, never mind what it'll cost them over the next two years whilst the airplanes are having to be pulled out of service time and time again....
Emirates knows what they're doing with Qantas, my guess is going to have some strategic code-shares set up with the domestic side of operations, I doubt very much will come out of this. Its probably just to do with Etihad's close relationship with Virgin Australia (which comes from the CEOs of both airlines having done business with each other long before), and how Emirates should strengthen its business in Australia.