i flew this route in March 2011.. flew in Coach.. route goes on from GOI to somewhere in the middle-east (kuwait) i think.. but overall flight was good.. except for the people flying with.. even while the plane was taxing at GOI and MAA to the gate/stand... people were already getting up (climbing over me..) to get out.. but this seems to be epidemic across india.. so not AI fault.. food was decent.. didnt really have much expectation since this was my first (and to-date only flight) on AI.. hence didnt get disappointed either.. for a direct route as opposed to connection thru blr/bom, i'd take it again...
oh - and departure is from the international side on MAA...