SignificanceThe multiple types of efficient oxygen transport paths were demonstrated in high-mechanical-strength hepta-bore Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3- hollow fiber membranes. These types of paths play a prominent role in enhancing oxygen permeation fluxes (17.6 mL min(-1) cm(-2) at 1223 K) which greatly transcend the performance of state-of-the-art Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3- hollow fiber membranes, showing a good commercialization prospect. (c) 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 4273-4277, 2017