Mr Ital has vast experience working on 'Boeings' and just last week with the completion of the 787-9 he has constructed an Airfix model of every Boeing type since 1963 - in some cases painting all the parts himself prior to assembly! I think you will agree that this gives Mr. N. O. Ital an insight to the functioning and operation of 'Boeings' that is almost unique amongst British Aviation Journalists.
To Mr Ital's defence (well a little bit anyway) at least he has some interest in aviation. Most journos contributions in the national press are more for headline grabbing with no substance and lack of understanding of aviation.
As for the aircraft itself, there are a few probabilities (in order of highest first).
- Nose gear lock pin left in
- Faulty selector valve
- Hydraulics (not likely at this stage of information as the body gear would be affected as well - not wing gear as it is on a different hyd supply)
So there we have it.
More for the pilots to answer but I am quite certain a failure for any landing gear to raise would involve a return to the departure airport (especially as said airport is the company's main base)